Take Wing this Spring at the National Aviary
If you’ve ever seen a bird’s eye view of Pittsburgh, there’s one treasure that will definitely catch your attention: The National Aviary. Nestled over on Pittsburgh’s North Side, the National Aviary is the only independent indoor nonprofit zoo in the United States dedicated exclusively to birds. Its diverse collection of over 500 birds includes more than 150 species from around the world, many of them threatened or endangered in the wild.
Their goal of conservation is one that resonates strongly with us. The Aviary works hard to educate the public and to encourage a sincere respect for nature, just as we continually work hard to increase our efficiency and help customers reduce their carbon footprint. That’s why we want to support outstanding organizations like the Aviary in their efforts to protect and preserve the planet. It’s a responsibility that we all share.
Through the newly established Avian Conservation Fund, we were able to take this mission to heart and support the Aviary’s efforts to save certain species from extinction. The Avian Conservation Fund provides financial support for their breeding advances, conservation initiatives, and research. Since last fall, 275 generous donors contributed $35,000 to this vital work, including our matching grant of $10,000. Donations came from people across the country—as far away as Fairbanks, Alaska!—who recognize the vital importance of the Aviary’s work. These gifts have already helped to protect and sustain species like the extinct-in-the-wild Guam Kingfisher, the threatened Andean Condor, and the critically endangered African Penguin.
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Last year at the National Aviary, two breeding pairs of Guam Kingfishers produced four offspring, a remarkable success considering that only around 150 Guam Kingfishers remain on the planet, and their survival depends on successful breeding in zoos.
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The National Aviary is home to a colony of 20 African Penguins and has hatched six chicks in recent years as part of an international collaboration to ensure genetic diversity of the species.
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The National Aviary is the only accredited zoo in North America to actively manage two pair of Andean Condors for breeding; their work extends internationally through field research and conservation activities in Ecuador.
You can read more about these incredible initiatives in the National Aviary’s 2016 Annual Report, or come and see for yourself by visiting the Aviary! The large walk-through exhibits create an experience unlike any other—an intimate, up-close interaction between visitors and free-flying birds, a chance to hand-feed birds, and an opportunity to see many species rarely found in zoos anywhere else in the world. And if you’d like to join us in supporting the Aviary, you can make a donation here.
Upcoming Events
Penguins, Penguins, Penguins!
May 13 & May 20
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Price included with admission.
Visit the National Aviary to show your support for African Penguins, which are facing extinction in our lifetime. There will be games, crafts, and penguins to meet.
Mother's Day Brunch
May 14
Two Seatings: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
$32 (member adult) $17 (member child 4-10); $37 (non-member adult), $19.50 (non-member child 4-10); Children 3 and under are Free
Call 412-258-9445 to register. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Tickets are transferrable but not refundable. Includes admission.
Celebrate the season with a brunch menu delectably prepared by Atria's. Dine in our blooming Rose Garden and enjoy visits from our most popular and colorful birds. With activities for the children and plenty of entrees designed for adult palates, this is a perfect brunch for every member of the family.
Spring Warblers Galore! Overnight Birding Tour
May 20-21
Lake Erie’s Southwest Shore
Departs Saturday, May 20, 6 a.m.
Returns Sunday, May 21, 6 p.m.
Rates starting at $325 nonmember; $300 member, double occupancy. Single occupancy available.
This overnight trip is a fantastic way to experience the excitement of spring warbler migration at places along the NW Ohio lakeshore. After departing the National Aviary, the tour’s first destination will be the renowned Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO), an internationally important center for bird research, education, and conservation since 1992. Includes transportation, lodging, and four meals. Registration required. Call 412-258-9463 or email audrey.beichner@aviary.org to register.