FliteZone Outdoor Free-flight Bird Show Opens May 24

(PITTSBURGH – April 15, 2008)

Beginning Saturday, May 24, there will be something new in the skies above Allegheny Commons Park on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Brilliantly colored green-winged and scarlet macaws, magnificent birds of prey, talkative parrots and a flock of other feathered friends will be winging their way over the National Aviary Rose Garden for the launch of the outdoor free-flight bird show, FliteZone.

All summer long, National Aviary visitors will enjoy a twice-daily show that features rare and endangered birds demonstrating natural behaviors. The birds will fly freely in the Aviary Rose Garden — often just inches over the heads of the audience — giving spectators a true brush with nature. Featured birds include Dumbledore, a Eurasian eagle owl and one of the largest species of owls in the world, and Robin, a spectacular hooded vulture. The National Aviary’s popular African penguins will make an appearance, while several species of parrots demonstrate their remarkable ability to mimic and interact with humans.

“The experience of seeing these rare birds in free-flight is unforgettable,” says Linda Dickerson, National Aviary CEO. “Not only do our guests have the opportunity to see magnificent birds doing what they would do naturally in the wild, they also learn about ways to take conservation action to help protect and preserve wildlife.”

FliteZone takes place Wed.-Sun., May 24 through Labor Day, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., weather permitting.

The National Aviary is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9.00 adults; $8.00 seniors; $7.50 ages 2-12; children under 2 admitted free. More information at www.aviary.org or by calling 412.323.7235.