This summer at National Aviary, 'Global Odyssey: Avian Adventure' takes you on a journey without leaving ‘tahn
Traveling can be complicated. This summer, the National Aviary is bringing the vacation to you!
“Global Odyssey: Avian Adventure” takes you all around the world, with brand-new interactive activities and twists on returning programs — all at the National Aviary’s home in Pittsburgh’s Northside.
“We’re calling guests ‘Travelers’ this year,” says Megan Hinds, director of marketing and communications for the National Aviary, “as we hope their visit makes them feel like they’re traveling as they walk through our immersive habitats and take in our exciting, themed experiences.”
Visitors to the Aviary get a souvenir “passport” that gets stamped at every activity. “The different daily activities we have involve species from all over the world,” says Hinds.
Start the day with the “In-Flight Entertainment” programs and talks that are included with admission. The new “Where in the Wetlands?” at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. will immerse you into wetland habitats from around the world as you search for vibrant and curious species alike! The “Tropical Trek” gives you the chance to walk through the Aviary’s rainforest for tropical bird sightings and fun facts at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
At the “Destination Australia” expert talk at 1:30 p.m., you’ll meet Australian natives: the Blue-tongued Skink and Kookaburras as you to learn about how they co-exist across the biodiverse land “Down Under.”
A “Flight Upgrade” may be in order, allowing visitors access to the new immersive bird show “Passport to Parks,” sponsored by AAA Travel. Two National Aviary guides provide a live tour of national parks across the globe as visitors meet the bird and mammal species who call them home, all without leaving the Aviary’s theater!
“It’s a really interesting concept, where you’re getting to see gorgeous snapshots of those unique parks and you get to meet, in real-life, animals that you could see if you were actually there,” Hinds adds.
Visitors can watch a stunning Gray Crowned-Crane as it flies closer than ever to audience members, a few of whom will also get the chance to have a Curl-crested Aracari fly onto their hands for a piece of fruit!
Visitors can also buy tickets for SkyDeck, a summer-only rooftop bird show that showcases the Hooded Vultures from Africa, a critically endangered species. You’ll also witness Black Kites and Lanner Falcons fly overhead and around the adjacent Allegheny Commons Park. Plus, meet the newest Aviary Animal Ambassador: American Kestrel She-Ra.
“You’re watching these really powerful birds of prey fly right over your head and you’re learning about travels that they take, without leaving Pittsburgh,” said Hinds. “It’s a fun and engaging educational opportunity that makes people feel like they’re on vacation.”
Don’t miss out on kid-friendly activities that are engaging and educational. The “Global Odyssey: Avian Adventure” includes new play spaces and a bigger “Draw Alive” station. Kids can take flight at the “Aviation Station,” where they’ll get the chance to pilot from the cockpit or pretend to be a passenger soaring through the skies. They can help birds pack their suitcase with essentials to travel to an icy tundra, sun-drenched desert, or a dense rainforest; and they feel and find their way around sensory obstacles using toy planes, trains, and automobiles on a travel-themed sensory table.
At the Global Odyssey Book Nook, kids can relax and enjoy books about birds all over the world. For the grownups who are young at heart, there’s the annual 21+ fundraiser, “Night in the Tropics: Evening in Paradise,” presented by UPMC Health Plan. The event takes place Friday, July 11th from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Aviary, with VIP access starting at 5 p.m. General Admission to this tropical outing includes unlimited food bites from more than a dozen restaurants, plus beer, wine and signature cocktails, a bar-hopping passport activity, live entertainment and, most importantly, birds.
“You can feel good about ‘Night in the Tropics’ because it supports our birds and our conservation efforts,” says Hinds. “It’s a great night out with a lot of fun and even some learning along the way.”
For a full lineup of daily activities, and to learn about the National Aviary’s ongoing conservation efforts, visit aviary.org.
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