National Aviary Celebrates Rainbow Lorikeets’ First Birthday July 26

PITTSBURGH – July 7, 2008

They are a year old, but the noisy, pushy and always inquisitive rainbow lorikeets at the National Aviary haven’t improved their behavior much since arriving at the Aviary in 2007. Nevertheless, on July 26, the National Aviary is planning a party to celebrate their birthdays and the one year anniversary of the opening of their interactive exhibit, Lories & Friends.

The day’s activities will run from 11 am to 2 pm and will feature a party hosted by Radio Disney, with music, games, crafts and cake. Nectar cups for feeding the lorikeets will be just $1.

“Adults and children love the opportunity to have the lorikeets perch on their hand to drink nectar,” says Steve Sarro, manager of animal programs for the National Aviary. “Lorikeets are loud, messy and raucous – just like toddlers – but they’re also quite beautiful. People really enjoy the chance to get close to them, to see their brightly colored feathers and markings, and to watch their behaviors as they eat, fly and play.”

Rainbow lorikeets are native to the coastal areas of Australia where they feed on nectar and pollen from the blossoms of native plants, fruit and insects. They use their sharp, curved beaks to tear at fruit and flowers and work their tongue like a paintbrush to mop up nectar.

The National Aviary’s rainbow lorikeets birthday celebration takes place Saturday, July 26, 11 am to 2 pm, and is included in the price of admission. Nectar cups will sell for a discounted price of just $1 per cup. Admission is $9 adults; $8 seniors; $7.50 children two and up. Under two admitted free. More information at www.aviary.org or by calling 412.323.7235.

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The National Aviary seeks to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds.

About the National Aviary - The National Aviary is America’s only independent, indoor, nonprofit zoo dedicated exclusively to birds. As an environmental organization composed of educators, conservationists and researchers, the National Aviary aims to inspire, educate and entertain its visitors through quality programming, and to play an active role in meaningful conservation and avian research projects. The National Aviary’s collection encompasses more than 200 species of birds, many of them threatened or critically endangered in the wild. Its large walk-through exhibits offer up-close interaction between visitors and free-flying birds, including opportunities to hand-feed and meet species rarely found in zoos anywhere else in the world.

The National Aviary’s educational programs currently include in-house classes and educational tours as well as outreach presentations to schools. Classes are designed to reach a variety of ages, from pre-K through high school, and include live, interactive bird presentations. In 2007, more than 9,800 children attended classes or tours at the facility, and more than 20,000 were reached through outreach programs.

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