UPMC Health Plan Employees Aviary Guide
The National Aviary is home to more than 500 birds and mammals representing more than 150 diverse species worldwide, many threatened or endangered in the wild. The Aviary’s large walk-through habitats create an intimate, up-close interaction between visitors and free-flying birds, including opportunities to hand-feed and to meet many species rarely found in zoos.
Visit the National Aviary!
Venture “over the river and through the woods” and visit the Aviary during our fall seasonal theme, Forests Presented by Peoples! Dense North American forests and lush rainforests in tropical climates provide alluring ecosystems home to an array of wildlife, including Golden Eagles like Autumn, the vibrant male Andean Cock of the Rock, and sl-o-o-w moving mammals like Wookiee! Don’t forget about Owl-O-Ween, happening the last two weekends in October, where you’re encouraged to don a costume and celebrate flying animals that soar through the night!
NEW and exciting Daily Activities, play spaces, cozy decor, and enticing educational offerings will guide you on an inspiring journey through the Forests of the world!
Book an Animal Encounter!
Click here to book your Animal Encounter!
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Animal Encounter Details
Get nose-to-beak (or snout) with National Aviary Animal Ambassadors during an Animal Encounter! “Hang out” with a sloth, hold a stunning bird of prey on your gloved hand, or spend quality time with a penguin, while learning about these unique birds and mammals from a National Aviary expert. All National Aviary Animal Encounters include General Admission!
Take a Class or Experience!
Click here to register for a class or experience!
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Class or Experience Details
There’s no better way to learn more about your favorite National Aviary birds or the birds in your backyard than from a National Aviary expert. The National Aviary offers a variety of engaging classes and experiences for people of all skill levels!
Popular classes, offered throughout the year, include:
- Falconry: The Sport of Kings
- Brushes & Birds with Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas
- Summer Camp…for Adults
- …and more!
Go on a Birdwatching Trip!
Click here to register for your next birdwatching adventure.
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Go on a Birdwatching Trip Details
The National Aviary offers in-person birdwatching outings, ecotourism trips, and a variety of engaging classes for people of all skill levels!
Popular classes, offered at various times throughout the year, include:
- Birdwatching Kayak Tours with L.L.Bean
- Birding Expeditions
- Owl Prowls
- …and more!
National Aviary Conservation Efforts!
Read more about the National Aviary’s conservation work.
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Learn More about our Conservation Work
The National Aviary works to save birds and protect habitats around the world. The Department of Conservation and Field Research studies human impacts on birds and the environment and develops targeted programs to protect biodiversity. Our national and international conservation and field research projects span a range of topics and perspectives, from classical ecological research, to applied conservation, to more traditional zoo-based reintroduction activities.
Recently, the National Aviary has played a crucial role in saving Extinct in the Wild, Guam Kingfishers (pictured above). Guam Kingfishers, known locally as sihek, have been Extinct in the Wild for four decades. The National Aviary has been part of this program, actively working within the SSP® and the Sihek Recovery Program, to eventually introduce the species to Palmyra Atoll, a Brown Tree Snake-free island located about 6,000 km (3,729 miles) from Guam, on a trial basis in 2024.
Book Your Event!
Book your next corporate meeting, retirement party, birthday celebration, or bar/bat mitzvah now!
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National Aviary Event Rentals
Experience elegance at the National Aviary, and host your special event at Pittsburgh’s most exciting venue, The Garden Room!
Your guests will cherish an evening spent strolling through the immersive habitats and mingling with our fine, feathered friends. We are proud to partner with Atria’s Specialty Catering to provide exceptional catering using fresh, locally sourced food, presented in a refreshing modern style. The National Aviary is a one-of-a-kind Pittsburgh event venue perfect for corporate or client events, an intimate dinner, romantic weddings, or any other occasion!
Meet Valentino, our Resident Artist!
“Slow down” with National Aviary expert Christa and resident artist Valentino, the Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth! Learn about a sloth’s unique adaptations and the importance of conserving rainforest habitats while watching Val create a one-of-a-kind work of art using his natural abilities to grasp and move objects and animal-safe paint. Want to me this cutie up close? Book a Sloth Encounter + Painting!
Thank you for your continued support:
