Tropical Rainforest
Video courtesy of Vitro Architectural Glass, the National Aviary’s bird-safe glass partner
The National Aviary’s Tropical Rainforest is an indoor, walk-through habitat, where more than 30 different bird species fly freely. The oldest room in the National Aviary—originally the only room! The Tropical Rainforest underwent a total renovation and reopened in 2018. Today, this impressive space is blooming, with hundreds of lush, green trees and plants—including cacao and coffee—that thrive in the natural light that filters in through more than 3,000 panels of bird-friendly glass.
A stunning 15-foot waterfall spills into tiered ponds where birds bathe and play, and custom-designed perching allows our birds, like two female Hyacinth Macaws, to climb close to you as you pass through. Every detail was designed to mimic a natural rainforest habitat and encourage nesting and other natural behaviors. Along the boardwalk, watch as Snowy Egrets wade in a pond while formerly Extinct-in-the-Wild Guam Rails dart in and out of the foliage nearby, and Victoria Crowned Pigeons stroll by just feet away from you. High up in the canopy, Wookiee, the Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth, makes his way slowly through the treetops. You may even hear the loud, “mooing “woo-ooo” call of a Great Argus!
The Tropical Rainforest features 3,146 new panes of laminated bird-friendly glass from Vitro Architectural Glass (formerly PPG Glass). The new glass was designed to prevent collision by birds both inside and outside the habitat and maximize ultraviolet (UV) transmittance to help sustain wildlife and plant life throughout the year.
The Importance of Saving Rainforests!
Rainforests are home to some of the world’s most diverse wildlife. Although they cover just 6% of Earth’s land surface, they are home to more than half of the world’s flora and fauna species. Found on every continent except Antarctica, these diverse habitats play a crucial role in regulating the global climate through water vapors that form clouds and carbon dioxide storage.
Despite their critical importance to life on Earth, it’s estimated that more than half of the world’s rainforests have been destroyed in the last century. However, YOU can help protect them, thanks to tips and tricks from the National Aviary Green Team.
Learn MoreHand-feed a Rainforest Resident!
Visit the National Aviary BEFORE we open to the general public to meet Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth, Vivien! Plus, learn all about these slo-o-o-w moving rainforest animals from an Aviary expert.
Book Today!Ultraviolet (UV) Light Notice: Most birds can see UV light, which provides an array of evolutionary advantages, including enhanced foraging and hunting abilities. With that in mind, we use avian-safe UV lighting in the Tropical Rainforest to maximize individual birds’ health and well-being.