At the National Aviary, the new year starts with a Tropical Paradise
With the winter weather rolling in, you may be dreaming about getting to that oasis or peaceful forest away from it all.
The National Aviary in Pittsburgh has you covered with its Tropical Paradise theme to start the New Year.
Visitors can stroll through lush habitats including the Tropical Rainforest and the Wetlands. Within these expansive, immersive habitats, birds fly, walk, waddle, and swim freely around attendees, all with enhanced safety protocols in place.
The Aviary’s Tropical Rainforest is its oldest habitat and is home to more than 30 bird species and plants such as cacao and coffee. It also features a 15-foot waterfall that spills into tiered ponds where birds bathe and play. Snowy Egrets can often be seen wading in a pond.
Programming for Tropical Paradise runs until May 28 and features a wide variety of fun educational opportunities.
“With our daily programming, you have the opportunity to see animals up close and ask an expert your questions and really get a different perspective on some of the animals that live in the National Aviary,” said Cathy Schlott, Director of Animal Programs and Experiences. “You also walk away knowing more about how you can help protect tropical habitats and support conservation. The health of the tropics is essential to the health of the planet.”
Most daily programs are included with admission.
Some of the most popular include Meet a Tropical Friend, which takes place in the Aviary’s theater.
People might see ambassador animals like the Southern Three-banded Armadillo, the Scarlet Macaw and more.
In the Tropical Bat Hangout program, visitors can learn about a nocturnal flyer, the Malayan Flying Fox, a type of fruit bat and one of the largest bat species in the world.
During the Tropical Rainforest Feeding program, one of the Aviary’s aviculturists will spread food out for birds and talk about their adaptations and role in the ecosystem.
Birds may fly overhead and land near patrons during the talk, offering the chance to see amazing birds up close.
The National Aviary is celebrating its 70th year. It started out as just one room at 700 Arch St. on the North Side and has since grown to include multiple habitats such as the Wetlands, Penguin Point and more.
About 500 birds representing more than 150 species call the Aviary home.
“The National Aviary’s 70th anniversary is an exciting occasion and a testament to our team’s dedication to our mission to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds,” said Cheryl Tracy, Executive Director of the National Aviary. “To kick off our 70th anniversary, we’re offering new experiences that give visitors the opportunity to connect with nature, engage with our mission, and understand what they can do to have a positive impact on our work to save birds and protect their habitats.”
“We are not just a national, but international leader in avian medicine, avian conservation and animal care,” Schlott said. “It’s what we’ve been doing right along, and we’ve been at the forefront of a lot of advances in avian medicine and conservation. Those are things that we are really proud of and it’s a testament to our team’s expertise and dedication throughout the decades.”
National Aviary experts will take people on a birding expedition to Presque Isle State Park as well as kayak tours of North Park Lake with L.L. Bean later in the season, as part of the milestone celebration.
Other programs such as birdwatching in Pittsburgh parks are also in the works.
The National Aviary is the nation’s only independent indoor nonprofit zoo dedicated to birds.
Its hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, closed on Tuesdays.
The Aviary is also available for weddings and ceremonies in its Garden Room, as well as private and corporate events.
For tickets and more information on enhanced safety protocols, go to aviary.org.
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