National Aviary

Chirp in excitement as we celebrate National Zookeepers Week at the National Aviary! Join us in showing appreciation for our amazing team of caretakers who go above and beyond every single day to care for more than 500 birds and mammals that call the Aviary home.

Our dedicated Zookeepers are global conservation heroes, taking on important tasks both locally and across continents to protect the survival of these magnificent animals.

Follow us all week long as we celebrate !

Get ready to be dazzled by the stunning colorations of the Red-legged Honeycreepers in our AviaryTone summer series!

Red-legged Honeycreepers have coloration in common with several other related species, meaning that they all are descended from an ancestor with those same traits. Females are greenish while males have bright coloration - which may influence a female when finding a mate.

See if you can spot this tiny bird in the National Aviary's Tropical Rainforest habitat!

The National Aviary’s premier annual 21+ fundraiser, Night in the Tropics: Presented by UPMC Health Plan IS ONE WEEK AWAY!

NEXT FRIDAY: Escape to an Island Oasis, sip on tantalizing signature cocktails, immerse yourself in lush habitats after dark, and be serenaded by the vibrant melodies of beautiful birds!

All ticket holders will enjoy:
🍽 Delicious bites from more than a dozen restaurants ️including Atria’s, Pittsburgh Barbecue Company, Il Pizzaiolo, and Bistro To Go
🍹Signature Cocktails sponsored by the Pittsburgh International Airport
🎶Live entertainment from No Bad Juju, Mariachi by Miguel, and more!
🎨 LIVE painting from Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas (mariasideas.com) with the option to bid on it during our Silent Auction
🐧After-hours access to our habitats and Ambassador Animal greetings

UPGRADE to VIP for exclusive perks including FREE valet parking, full bar service with premium spirits, and more!

Get tickets: https://www.aviary.org/national-aviary-events/night-in-the-tropics-island-oasis/

Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloths sleep for an average of 15 hours a day? 💤🦥

Don’t “sleep” on your opportunity to paint a sloth portrait in honor of Aviary sloth’s Vivien and Wookiee’s birthdays during the next Brushes & Birds, Sat., August 24, with Maria DeSimone Prascak of Marias Ideas ART (mariasideas.com). After class, venture into our Tropical Rainforest habitat to try and catch a glimpse of Wookiee high up in the canopies!

Registration includes General Admission, space is limited, book your canvas ASAP: https://shop.aviary.org/ #/Education/Programs?Event=BrushesBirdsSloth&Date=2024-08-24&Time=11:00%20AM

The party of the summer is quickly approaching! ☀️ The National Aviary’s Night in the Tropics Presented by UPMC Health Plan is Fri., July 26!
Allow yourself to be whisked away to an Island Oasis with delectable bites from local restaurants, refreshing tropical drinks, and an atmosphere like no other.

Featured restaurants include:
🍽️Atria’s Speciality Catering
🍽️Bistro To Go
🍽️Braddocks Rebellion
🍽️Mana Meals Catering
🍽️Pittsburgh Barbecue Company
🍽️Vizzolli Pittsburgh
…and more!

Bring your friends and put on your best tropical attire for the hottest summer soiree featuring Ambassador Animal meet-and-greets and immersive after-hour habitat access!

🍹🎟️GET TICKETS: https://www.aviary.org/national-aviary-events/night-in-the-tropics-island-oasis/

This night would not be possible without all of our amazing sponsors including, Cintas Corporation, CPAs & Consultants, Maher Duessel, McKamish, Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care, Koppers Inc., and Trust-Franklin Press Co.

Ladies and gentlemen, in honor of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and Pittsburgh Pirates' own Bryan Reynolds and Paul Skenes’ well-deserved recognition, we are thrilled to present our very own all-star lineup of avian residents!

⚡First up, we have the lightning-fast Squire the Lanner Falcon, whose speed and precision will leave you in awe.

💙🦩Next, we have the agile Blue-bellied Roller, Malcolm, known for his quick movements and fast reflexes, followed by American Flamingo, Rizzo, whose long legs give him a slight advantage!

🗑️Finally, batting “clean up,” we have Robin the Hooded Vulture, part of nature's clean-up crew.

📣And let's not forget about Gus the Great Argus Pheasant, our resident cheerleader whose booming calls will pump up any crowd…and Aviary visitor!

This version of AviaryTone - our summer series highlighting bird colors - is all about gorgeous Rainbow Lorikeets! 🦜🌈

These stunning birds add a pop of color to their habitat! As their name implies, these parrots from Australia have a bright rainbow or red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet in their feathers. In general, their beak is red, head is blue, chest is yellow and orange, and body is green.

See this stunning plumage pattern UP CLOSE by adding-on a Rainbow Lorikeet Feeding to your General Admission! Feedings are Daily at 10:30 am, Noon, 2:30, $4 pm for $3 per person. Tickets are available for purchase at online and at our Visitor Services Desk.

https://www.aviary.org/visit/daily-activities/rainbow-lorikeet-feeding/

The National Aviary’s summer season, Colors in Flight, runs now through September 4!

SURPRISE! We JUST added BRAND NEW items to our 2024 Night in the Tropics Silent Auction!

🐧Show off your Pittsburgh Penguins pride by snagging a signed Sidney Crosby jersey (and other signed goodies!) and two premium tickets to a 2024-2025 NHL season game!
🦅Experience one of our most unique opportunities: Have a Hooded Vulture OR Lanner Falcon land on your gloved hand*
⚾Enjoy a Pittsburgh Pirates game like a VIP with an Ultimate RE/MAX Select Realty Home Plate Club Experience!

….and more! BID TODAY: https://event.gives/tropics2024

See these items IN PERSON at Night in the Tropics Presented by UPMC Health Plan Fri., July 26. Tickets are selling fast, get yours now: https://www.aviary.org/national-aviary-events/night-in-the-tropics-island-oasis/

*Must attend Night in the Tropics on Fri. July 26 to win this prize and be present at the END of the Silent Auction at 9 pm for this 9:45 pm experience.

📷 Pittsburgh Penguins game photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Penguins

The National Aviary is a haven for birds and a pioneer in wildlife preservation and education. As an AZA-accredited zoo and the only Aviary with a “National” designation, we’re proud to foster a love for nature within our community and continue critical worldwide conservation efforts.

More Guam Rails hatched at the National Aviary than any other North American zoo, helping to downlist this Extinct in the Wild species to Critically Endangered. We’re extending those same efforts to the Guam Rail’s island counterpart, the Guam Kingfisher. Known locally as sihek, we’re part of a collaborative effort, the Sihek Recovery Project, which champions the comeback of this currently Extinct in the Wild species.

But it doesn't stop there! 🌍 We're dedicated to not only caring for species like the Vietnam Pheasant, African Penguins, and Andean Condors but also educating our community about the importance of wildlife conservation. Learn more about all of our incredible conservation efforts at aviary.org. Join us in learning, caring, and making a difference for birds and our planet.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Hurry, few spots remain! 🛶

Join us for an unforgettable sunset experience paddling through the serene waters of North Park Lake during the National Aviary’s Birdwatching Kayak Tour with L.L.Bean Sun., July 21 at 6 pm.

Glide beneath birds flying to their roosting spot and watch sunset hues dance on the lake’s surface. Don’t miss your final chance this summer to embark on this exhilarating journey into nature's stunning beauty.

Reserve your spot: https://shop.aviary.org/ #/Education/Programs?Event=llbeankayak&Date=2024-07-21&Time=06:00%20PM

Create your own “party favor” during the National Aviary’s Brushes & Birds Sloth Birthday Edition. 🎨

Join Maria DeSimone Prascak of Marias Ideas ART (mariasideas.com) on Sat., August 24 at 11 am for a creative painting class! Paint a canvas portrait of Wookiee in honor of his August birthday, with help from Maria’s step-by-step instructions.

Space is limited, reserve your spot now: https://shop.aviary.org/ #/Education/Programs?Event=BrushesBirdsSloth&Date=2024-08-24&Time=11:00%20AM

“Dream a little dream of me…” ✨

We are delighted to announce the new name of our African Penguin, formerly known as “7”! Say hello to Ellsworth, affectionately shortened to Ella!

“Lady Ella” was named by cherished Aviary friends Eric and Julie Spaulding. Her forename embodies the spirit of Ellsworth Avenue, where love first blossomed for Eric and Julie. Her nickname, inspired by legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, is also a reminder to their son Fletcher that soaring high doesn't require wings. 🐧🎺🎶

…Get ready to groove with Ella as she waddles into your hearts with her jazzy charm!

This week’s AviaryTone celebrates the pop of BRIGHT color on a Steller’s Sea Eagle’s beak!

Of the roughly 60 eagle species in the world, Steller’s Sea Eagles are one of just FOUR with bright yellow bills. The others? Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, and Bald Eagle - a nod to their shared ancestry as sea eagles.

Take a moment to appreciate Kody and Aurora’s gorgeous yellow beaks during your next National Aviary visit. Plus, go on a color-themed scavenger hunt throughout the Aviary, perfect for all ages (hint: the Steller’s Sea Eagle is one of the answers!).

https://www.aviary.org/visit/

FOR THE LITTLE ONES: Treat your animal-loving child to a National Aviary Jr. Penguin Encounter! 🐧

Get up close to a real African Penguin and watch as an Aviary expert transforms into a penguin themselves during a fun dress-up activity. PLUS, learn all about the species through an engaging story.

Jr. Penguin Encounters are Daily at 10:30 am and includes General Admission!

Book Today: www.aviary.org/programs-encounters/animal-encounters/jr-penguin-encounter/

FEW SPOTS REMAIN! Travel back in time to learn about a sport that has been around for thousands of years: Falconry!

Discover firsthand the mystique of this ancient practice from National Aviary Licensed Falconer, Cathy Schlott Sun., August 25 at 10 am. Learn how humans and birds of prey work together to achieve a common goal and uncover its primitive history, PLUS meet an Aviary Animal Ambassador.

Book now: https://shop.aviary.org/ #/Education/Programs?Event=FalconrySportofKings&Date=2024-08-25&Time=10:00%20AM

Members receive a discount!

The National Aviary is open 10 am - 5 pm today!

Eastern Cattle Egrets are known to follow livestock, such as horses and sheep for an easy meal? The egrets will dine on the insects and other prey the livestock kicks up as they move and graze…hence their species name!

Journey to an Island Oasis on Fri., July 26 during the National Aviary’s premier summer fundraiser, Night in the Tropics Presented by UPMC Health Plan!

Leave your black-tie outfits at home…don your most colorful ensemble and Meet Mac the Military Macaw, Cleo the Lanner Falcon, Dumbledore the Eurasian Eagle-Owl, and more while grooving to tunes played by NO BAD JUJU and enjoy a special dance lesson from Marlon’s Dancers!

Sip on signature cocktails (stay tuned for more details on these yummy drinks), wine, and beer while satisfying your tastebuds with bites from more than a dozen local restaurants including Atria's, Pittsburgh Barbecue Company, and Bistro To Go!

Get your tickets to this summer fiesta TODAY: https://www.aviary.org/national-aviary-events/night-in-the-tropics-island-oasis/

Thank you to our sponsors, including Dagostino Electronic Services, Inc., Enkompas, First Nonprofit, Fairfield Landscaping & Tree Service, The Priory Hotel, BranchPattern, and more.

Please note: Event details are subject to change.

Check “Feeding Penguins” off your summer bucket list! 🐧

Waddle over to the National Aviary to hand-feed our African Penguin colony!

Enter Penguin Point and join our tuxedoed friends for mealtime. Watch as they dine on their favorite food: sustainably-sourced fish, learn about the Aviary’s work to save this Endangered species, and what you can do to help them at home - all while meeting the colony up close!

Book an Interactive Penguin Feeding: www.aviary.org/programs-encounters/animal-encounters/interactive-penguin-feeding/

Calling all Pittsburgh Pirates fans! Before heading to PNC Park to watch our Buccos face off against division rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, visit the National Aviary!

Meet our starting lineup of *iconic* red-hued birds including Scarlet-headed Blackbird, Red Siskins, Scarlet-Faced Liocichla, Red-billed Hornbill, and Red-crested Finch!

Let's show those Cardinals who the real MVPs are - both on the field and in the Aviary! Go Bucs! 🏴☠️🦜⚾

Book tickets: https://shop.aviary.org/

We’re back with another edition of AviaryTone - our summer series highlighting the beauty of bird colorations!

Critically Endangered Hooded Vultures are a smaller, brown, gray vulture species native to Sub-Saharan Africa. Witness these majestic beauties glide above you during our rooftop bird show, SkyDeck, presented Pittsburgh International Airport!

Add this one-of-a-kind experience to your General Admission and learn amazing facts from an Aviary expert - educating you about these important environmental heroes.

⏰SkyDeck shows are daily at noon and 3 pm, weather-dependent
🎟️Members: $4 each; Non-members: $5
Guests must be 6 years of age or older to attend shows on SkyDeck

https://www.aviary.org/visit/daily-activities/skydeck/

We cannot continue the fight for species’ survival without you! If you’re considering a gift to our Spring Annual Campaign, now is the time to show your love for more than 500 birds who call the Aviary their home.

Every gift, no matter the amount, makes a real difference to our animals:

💙$35 will provide a day’s worth of sustainable fish to our penguin colony.
💚$100 will enrich beautiful habitats that support key Species Survival Plans®.
💙$250 will support preventative medicine and advanced care in our Veterinary Hospital.
💚$500 will feed every animal at the National Aviary for a single day.
💙$1,000 will help provide us with state-of-the-art veterinary equipment.

https://national-aviary.givingfuel.com/springcampaign2024

We’re so thankful for your support and partnership as you’ve helped us work to protect and preserve species worldwide.

Happy Scarlet Macaw Day! ❤️

Not only do these birds have vibrant feathers, they also have extremely powerful beaks and strong feet. They use these adaptations - like grasping and cracking shells - to dine on fruits, seeds, and nectar all found in the rainforest.

The National Aviary is home to three fabulous Scarlet Macaws - Red, Ruby, and Starburst - each acting as incredible Animal Ambassadors and often seen in our various educational programs!

Just like our African Penguin “Dynamic Duo” Dave and Rita Mae and Andean Condor companions Marijo and Illimani, we know that it takes all of us working together to thrive in our shared environment! With ONLY one day remaining in the National Aviary's Spring Annual Campaign: Stronger Together, there’s not much time left to donate to help us protect our precious species and continue our vital conservation work.

Thanks to our National Aviary friends, we’re so close to reaching our campaign goal of $60,000.

Your support today and tomorrow will help us get there! Thank you!
https://national-aviary.givingfuel.com/springcampaign2024

Add a Buzz of Color to your summer by spending it on the North Side! 🌈🎨🔭

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the National Aviary's Colors in Flight season and the STEM-packed Science Behind Pixar exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center. Immerse yourself in a whirlwind of art, nature, birding experts, and computer science geniuses!

Visiting the National Aviary first? Bring your receipt to the Science Center and get 15%* off in the Gift Shop! Spending a day at the Science Center? Bring your receipt to the Aviary and get a 15% off in the Gift Shop*! This exciting opportunity runs now through September 4: don’t miss out!

https://www.aviary.org/visit/

*15% off of $30 purchase.