Masters of the Sky...

…take center stage during the National Aviary’s NEW summer theme, Remarkable Raptors Presented by S&T Bank. From Black Kites and Lanner Falcons to Harpy and Steller’s Sea Eagles, Seasonal Daily Activities and limited-time add-on experiences will take you on an unparalleled journey into the world of these formidable, apex predators. 

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African Penguin swimming up through water

Penguin Encounter

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Today’s Schedule

Toddler Camp

In this "caregiver and me program," you and your little one will have fun together, learning about birds through science, art, sensory play, and story time! 

Daily Activities

The National Aviary offers a variety of Daily Activities for an incredible guest experience, many of which are included with General Admission. View an insightful feeding, watch birds soar overhead during an immersive bird show, or get up close with your favorite species during an Animal Encounter!

Brushes & Birds: Beach Bag!

JUST IN TIME FOR YOUR SUMMER VACAY! Paint your very own eco-friendly beach bag with step-by-step instructions from Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria's Ideas (mariasideas.com). 

THIS SUMMER ONLY: Step Inside the World of Birds of Prey!

Known for their FIERCE hunting skills and graceful FLIGHT, birds of prey are some of the most awe-inspiring animals in the world. Now YOU can see their innate instincts and unmatched natural abilities UP CLOSE during our NEW immersive show: Fierce in Flight! 
 
Get even closer to not one but TWO National Aviary Animal Ambassadors during our summer-only Falcon + Flighted Friend Encounter. Experience the thrill of a falcon flying RIGHT TO YOU…landing on your gloved hand. PLUS, enjoy a visit from a SECOND flighted bird of prey, parrot, or an aracari!  
 
Proceeds support the National Aviary’s work to save birds and protect their habitats. 

Plan Your Visit

Featured Species

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Penguins

Book a Penguin Encounter to meet an African Penguin up close!

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Flamingoes
Flamingoes

Venture onto the Wetlands beach and HAND-FEED our American Flamingoes!

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Marijo and Illimani, two juvenile Andean Condors at the National Aviary.
Condors

See majestic Andean Condors, including juveniles Marijo and Illimani, in Condor Court

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Northern White-faced Owl
Owls

Meet one of the National Aviary’s most mysterious residents during an Owl Encounter.

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Dariena in perched high in a tree with foliage around her
Eagles

Visit the only KNOWN Harpy Eagle residing in the Northeast United States!

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Sloths

Hang out with a Linnaeus's Two-toed Sloth during a Sloth Encounter!

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For the Golden Years: Fulfilling a Lifelong Promise

The National Aviary is committed to providing individualized care to each bird, mammal, and reptile that calls us home, at every phase of their lives. This unequivocal dedication is exemplified through the impressive lifespan of several of the Aviary’s residents, many of whom have been identified as the oldest on record for their species within accredited zoos. 

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Mary resting on a low log

Nesting in Namibia

To date, members of the National Aviary’s conservation team, alongside SAFE for African Penguins and the Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds (NAMCOB) have deployed 60 artificial nest burrows on the islands of Possession and Halifax in Namibia.  

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A Eurasian Eagle-Owl Parliament

Over the last two decades, and as part of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program, the National Aviary has made considerable contributions to Eurasian Eagle-Owl conservation efforts, thanks to two very special owls: X and Dumbledore.

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An Eurasian Eagle Owl

Nesting in Namibia

The National Aviary works with the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) and the Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds (NAMCOB) to help sustain existing wild penguin population. This includes determining the kind of artificial nest burrow wild colonies would take to, which took time and a few iterations.

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African Penguins in South Africa using artificial nest burrow

Valentino: The Condor that Could

In the last 46 years, only nine injured Andean Condors have been able to return to their natural habitat in Ecuador, where fewer than 150 wild Andean Condors remain. Valentino is now one of them – thanks to a worldwide partnership with the National Aviary and our Ecuadorian sister zoo, Bioparque Amaru.

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Andean Condor Valentino taking flight after his release!

A Flamingo Rescue Halfway Around the World

When more than 1,800 baby Lesser Flamingoes were abandoned by their parents due to a severe drought at the Kamfers Dam in South Africa in 2019, the National Aviary’s Teri Grendzinski was among the first to arrive on the scene. 

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National Aviary Expert Teri G, hand feeding a Lesser Flamingo chick in South Africa

Protecting Their Future

Eurasian Eagle-Owls may be classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but this large species with pumpkin-colored eyes faced a rapid population decline in Europe in the 20th century. These birds continue to face human-caused threats to their very livelihood, including pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and infrastructure collisions. Learn more about the National Aviary’s efforts to safeguard this large owl species, and how you can help today.

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New Findings Released in the Search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker

Researchers with the National Aviary and Project Principalis released multiple lines of evidence pointing to the survival of the iconic Ivory-billed Woodpecker in Louisiana.

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illustration of birds

A Flamingo Rescue Halfway Around the World

When thousands of flamingo chicks were abandoned due to drought in South Africa, one National Aviary staff member, Teri Grendzinski, made the journey to help. Her work to hand-raise chicks gave them a chance at survival.

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A Lesser Flamingo chick being cared for in South Africa.
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Our Mission:

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

In The News

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What Garden Birds Need in June – 5 Ways to Support Them Through Breeding Season and Beyond (ft. insights from Bob Mulvihill) | Homes and Gardens

So, if you're looking to make your yard as bird-friendly as possible in June and beyond, this is the best way to start.

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How the World’s Most Abundant Bird Went Extinct (ft. insight from Bob Mulvihill) | A-Z Animals

In this article, we speak with Bob Mulvihill, Lead Ornithologist at the National Aviary, about the demise of passenger pigeons. Learn about Martha’s final days and the resulting rise of bird conservation efforts.

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Pennsylvania Capitol Zoo Day brings penguins, sloths and tortoises to Harrisburg | WGAL

Visitors got an up-close look at some amazing animal ambassadors during Zoo Day at the Pennsylvania State Capitol on Tuesday.

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A bird that’s extinct in the wild hatched at the National Aviary | CBS News

A bird that has been extinct in the wild for nearly 40 years was born at Pittsburgh's National Aviary.

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Pittsburgh’s skyline has become home to the once endangered peregrine falcon | TribLive

At Cathedral of Learning, baby peregrine falcons mark another generation.

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