National Aviary gets 7 new species

National Aviary gets 7 new species

Seven new species are getting a home at the National Aviary, and most of them aren’t birds. 

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History recently ended its animal ambassador program after a 10-year run, and the National Aviary said it’s “a natural fit” for it to take over care for many of the ambassadors. 

The new additions include four-toed hedgehogs Doris and Betty and striped skunks Gouda and Pepper Jack. There’s also a Jackson’s three-horned chameleon named Waldo, a blue-tongued skink named Bluey, a New Guinea blue-tongued skink named Miley and a central Asian tortoise named Natasha. Jon Snow the African pied crow and She-ra the American Kestrel will also join the crew. 

The aviary says it’s already home to more than 500 animals, and the new species highlight the importance of biodiversity in shared ecosystems. 

“We are beyond thrilled for this recent partnership with the Carnegie Museum and are honored to give ten of their beloved Animal Ambassadors a home with our flock!” Cathy Schlott, director of animal programs and experiences, said in a news release. “We are committed to providing them with the utmost care and are excited for the additional educational opportunities they will allow us to offer to guests.”

In The News

See All News

Peregrine falcons to be protected during Tarentum Bridge construction project | TribLive

Peregrine falcons that nest under the Tarentum Bridge will be protected as best they can during an upcoming, long-term construction project along the span.

Read More »

Think pink: The National Aviary hosts Flamingo Fest | Pitt News

This past weekend, from Feb. 28 to March 1, the National Aviary celebrated Flamingo Fest, a two-day special event dedicated to the tropical pink bird. The event originally started as a chance for aviary visitors to see live flamingos.

Read More »

Record number of peregrine falcons counted in Allegheny County | WPXI

The National Aviary says six peregrine falcons were recorded in the county during the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

Read More »

A City Full of Surprises | Visit the USA

The USA’s “bird zoo,” this indoor nonprofit aquarium and aviary is home to many colorful creatures.

Read More »

Avian education center prepares to take flight in Pittsburgh | WESA

The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation is coming together with the National Aviary to build out an education wing in the aviary’s recently acquired conservation center in Fox Chapel, the National Aviary SK Rockwell Conservancy.

Read More »