National Aviary
The National Aviary is located in Allegheny Commons Park on the historic Northside of Pittsburgh. It is the United States' first autonomous indoor nonprofit zoo which is devoted entirely to birds. The zoo is home to more than 500 birds that are part of 150 species coming from across the world. The majority of these species are vulnerable or endangered in the wild.
National Aviary is also the largest aviary in the country. Also, it is the only one with honorary "National" status from the United States Congress. The two main slogans of the zoo are "Working to inspire” and “Respect for nature through an appreciation of birds.”
If you are looking for a memorable experience, the enormous walk-through habitats of the National Aviary will create one unlike any other. An intimate, up-close encounter between visitors and free-flying birds, allowing opportunities to hand-feed and meet several species that are rarely found in zoos anywhere else in the world.
The National Aviary's conservationists and researchers seek to conserve birds and protect ecosystems: both at home and all across the globe. The National Aviary directs as well as innovates apart from contributing to critically endangered bird breeding projects. Not only this but also working to protect critical bird habitats scattered across the world.
With immersive habitats and engaging daily programming, you can meet tropical birds and get up and personal with beautiful macaws. You might even meet some curious armadillos!
Except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and Christmas Eve, the National Aviary is open daily. Although some of the birds must be fed privately, practically all feedings, which are usually vegetarian and carnivorous, are planned to be seen by visitors. Annual attendance has been continuously above 100,000 since 1999.
Visitors to the National Aviary can participate in daily participatory events. The majority of such events change seasonally. Penguin Feedings at Penguin Point, a habitat that is home to an African Penguin colony provides possibilities for underwater viewing. It is the most interesting one among others.
The zoo also contains one of North America's most diversified collections. As a result, the Aviary houses numerous species that are uncommon in any other zoos or aviaries. The biggest example is Andean Condors as well as the severely endangered Vietnam Pheasant. Another one is the Bali Myna.
Currently, Jane Dixon is the President of the Board of Trustees. He has been providing his services since March 2020. In October 2020, The National Aviary debuted The Garden Room, a 9,000-square-foot year-round entertainment and education facility like no other in the nation.