This Summer Only – Experience 'Journey to Africa' at the National Aviary
Are you hoping to get away this summer? Faraway destinations may be calling your name, but you can journey to a continent with beautiful habitats — including grassy savannahs and lush tropical forests — without leaving Pittsburgh.
A trip to the North Side’s National Aviary this summer will transport you to the African continent to experience beautiful birds in free-flight habitats. The engaging programming will bring you close to species like African penguins and grey-crowned cranes, and even more opportunities to get to know your favorite birds.
This summer at the National Aviary during “Journey to Africa Presented by Peoples,” you can go on an incredible journey that takes you from rocky shores to lush tropical forests. In each habitat, you’ll discover the wide array of bird species that inhabit the diverse ecosystems of the African continent. Meet fascinating species, including hornbills, cranes, penguins, eagles, and vultures up close and learn about their unique adaptations this summer through exciting daily activities, many included with admission.
Following CDC guidance, the National Aviary has adopted enhanced safety protocols to make your visit as secure as possible. (Learn more about the protocols at aviary.org.)
This summer, the immersive bird show “African Adventure Presented by AAA Travel” gives visitors up-close experiences with all types of African avian life. Whether it’s an African penguin waddling by, or a grey crowned-crane with a six-foot wingspan, you are sure to make a feathered friend. The show also teaches guests the role they play in conserving the incredible biodiversity of the African continent.
There are many activities included with the price of admission every day this summer!
African Penguin Feeding, daily at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m
Twice a day, visitors will get to see the colony of African penguins hand-fed delicious, sustainable fish. You will even get to see the newest addition to the crew, Marge. She hatched on Jan. 3 and is the 11th African penguin to hatch at the National Aviary,
If you really want to get to know an African penguin, make sure to sign up for a Private Penguin Feeding Encounter. For an additional fee, you’ll join a National Aviary expert on the rocky beach of Penguin Point to feed the colony at mealtime. The colony will waddle over to you to be hand-fed their favorite sustainable seafood. The expert will guide you through the Animal Encounter, introduce you to the penguin, share details about this species’ unique adaptations and conservation story, and answer any questions you might have. All Animal Encounters include enhanced safety protocols.
Sign up here to book your Animal Encounter with these adorable birds. Proceeds support the National Aviary’s work to save birds and protect their habitats.
Flamingo Feeding, daily at 11 a.m.
Flamingos are bright, vibrant and vocal birds. You can’t miss them in the Wetlands at the National Aviary. Experience an enthralling lesson on this vibrant species from experts, learn about the unique adaptation of flamingos, and watch the flock at mealtime.
Vultures in Flight, daily at 12 p.m.
The National Aviary is home to hooded vultures, a critically endangered species with a fascinating conservation story. Guests will get to see their inimitable style of flight, while guides describe the hooded vultures’ unique role across sub-Saharan Africa in keeping ecosystems healthy.
Bird Meet and Greet, daily at 12:30 p.m.
Meet one of the more than 500 birds that call the National Aviary home when an Aviary expert brings an owl, parrot, falcon or other beautiful bird to greet guests at the watering hole. Visitors will learn about what makes that species unique. You never know which feathered creature might show up.
Head to the Wetlands to meet a brown pelican, a waterbird with a huge bill that it uses to scoop up — and catch — fish. For an additional fee, you may even get the opportunity to toss a few fish to a pelican yourself.
Head over to Condor Court to learn about Andean condors, massive birds with a 10-foot wingspan, as well as the National Aviary’s efforts to save them and their High Andes Mountain habitat.
Tropical Rainforest Feeding, daily at 2 p.m.
The Tropical Rainforest habitat, with its thick green foliage and trees as tall as buildings, is home to almost 100 birds. Watch beautiful, brightly colored birds eating and flying around the magnificent waterfall that is part of this habitat. You might even notice a species you have never seen before.
Eagles of Africa, daily at 3 p.m.
Meet a martial eagle or a golden eagle — both enormous birds of prey — during the Eagles of Africa talk. The golden eagle can be found in Northern Africa, as well as some parts of the United States. The martial eagle is native to sub-Saharan Africa. See one of these majestic birds up close and learn about their amazing adaptations.
A trip to Africa has never been so easy. This summer, take the family to the National Aviary. Once you get there, almost every hour of the day is filled with learning, fun and new experiences. Get your tickets in advance today. Don’t miss out!
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