National Aviary Summer Attendance Soars

A record number of visitors attended the National Aviary this summer, increasing total attendance for May – August by 23 percent over 2008, and upping paid attendance by 33 percent for that same period.

Conservation education offerings and special paid programs such as the National Aviary’s summer camps, Penguin Encounter, and Trainer for a Day also saw large increases, with total income from these programs increasing by 68 percent over 2008.

“We are delighted that the unique experiences we offer are resonating with our visitors,” says National Aviary Executive Director Patrick Mangus. “Programs such as our free-flight bird show, interactive feedings, and the opening of Penguin Point, our new penguin exhibit, are just a few of the many ways our guests can get close to, and interact directly with, rare and beautiful birds from around the world.”

The National Aviary is currently in the midst of a multi-year expansion that includes construction of the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater, a café and expanded classroom space. The FliteZone™ Theater and café are scheduled to open fall 2010.

For more information, click www.aviary.org or call 412.323.7235.