Species Survival Plan®

Species Survival Plan®

The National Aviary is proud to be part of the Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Programs for more than 80 species. SSP Programs work to protect endangered species and ensure their survival through breeding programs, habitat preservation, and education.

By participating in these plans, the National Aviary is taking an active role in the conservation of some of the world’s most vulnerable species. Read just a few of our stories below.

Some of our animals within SSP Programs may temporarily move to other accredited zoos at the recommendation of the SSP coordinator(s).

  • Eurasian Eagle-Owls

    Eurasian Eagle-Owls faced considerable decline in Europe in the 1900s, going extinct in select areas and facing population reductions elsewhere.

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  • Guam Kingfishers

    Guam Kingfishers, known locally as Sihek, have been Extinct in the Wild for four decades.

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  • Guam Rails

    In 1987, only 21 Guam Rails remained after their population was nearly driven to extinction by an invasive species.

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  • Vietnam Pheasants

    Not seen in the wild since 2000, the Vietnam Pheasant is currently listed as Critically Endangered, but many believe the species could be Extinct in the Wild.

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In The News

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4 peregrine falcon chicks banded at Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning | CBS News

Viewers of the National Aviary's FalconCam have been watching parents Carla and Ecco raise the chicks since the start of the season, and it's the third year their offspring have been banded.

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4 Cathedral of Learning peregrine falcon chicks banded by game commission | WPXI

Four chicks of the peregrine falcon pair Carla and Ecco were banded Wednesday morning at the Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus.

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Do Animals Enjoy Music? Zoömusicology Has Surprising Answers (Ft. National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill) | Yahoo News

Bob Mulvihill, Lead Ornithologist at the National Aviary, also explains how music affects birds.

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USPS Bald Eagle Stamps | United States Postal Service

U.S. Postal Service released a set of stamps honoring our national bird, the bald eagle, at the National Eagle Center.

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How to attract orioles to your yard this spring | National Geographic

These songbirds have a conspicuous sweet tooth—but experts say putting out oranges and other fruits isn't the only way to turn your backyard into an oriole hotspot.

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