Meet Dr. Fish

Dr. Pilar Fish

Pilar Fish, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), is the National Aviary’s Senior Director of Zoological Advancement and Avian Medicine since 2003. Dr. Fish graduated from University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine where she continued training in wildlife and zoological medicine by completing five years in internships and residency programs. She has practiced wildlife and zoo medicine since 1994 and has worked throughout Africa and Latin America teaching avian medicine and assisting wildlife rehabilitation centers.

As a leading expert in avian medicine, Dr. Fish has developed new protocols for numerous bird species in preventative medicine, geriatric care, neonatal care, and emergency care. She has established techniques for treating egg-bound birds, beak repairs using dental acrylics, orthopedic surgery, and skin-grafting. She acts as a consultant for zoos, wildlife centers, and veterinarians all over the world with the goal of sharing new advancements in avian medicine to help birds on a large scale.

Dr. Fish launched the National Aviary’s Teaching Hospital program to meet a need for veterinary students to obtain specialized training in avian medicine. Today, the Teaching Hospital program trains and mentors over 50 students from around the world each year.

In The News

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Missing Spooky Season Already? Check Out This Halloween-Inspired Wedding | Pittsburgh Magazine

The ceremony and reception were held at the National Aviary, infused with nods to Halloween!

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Have your photo taken with Santa and a penguin at the National Aviary | PennLive

The Holiday Happenings seasonal event at the National Aviary includes an opportunity you are not likely to get anywhere else.

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One Tank Trip: National Aviary | Fox8

Bird-watching is a popular activity around Northeast Ohio; one of the best places in the country to see our fine-feathered friends is only a One Tank Trip away.

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New African penguin arrives at National Aviary | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A new African penguin is waddling around the National Aviary.

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National Aviary welcomes new penguin to its flock | CBS News

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The National Aviary welcomed a new African penguin to its flock.

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