Wetlands

The Wetlands is an expansive, indoor habitat where more than 30 different bird species fly freely. The largest habitat at the National Aviary, the Wetlands underwent a total renovation, reopening in 2022. Today, this space includes hundreds of plants and trees with ample natural light filtering through more than 1,200 panels of bird-friendly glass. Every element of the habitat’s design was planned to encourage the natural behaviors, like nesting and preening, of the more than 100 birds that call the Wetlands home.

An impressive custom coastal-inspired tree provides space for birds to perch in the branches up high and built-in benches where guests can relax and take in this dynamic habitat. Watch as new species like the Blue-billed Curassow strut along the new walkway, and American Flamingos wade into a pond from the pebbly beach and listen as the brilliant Hadada Ibises call out from high up in the treetops.

The habitat, which was originally built in 1969, received a number of energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades in the renovation. The Wetlands features 20,000-square-feet of bird-friendly glass from Vitro Architectural Glass, the National Aviary’s exclusive glass partner. The new glass comes in two designs and was designed to prevent collisions by birds and maximize ultraviolet (UV) transmittance to help sustain wildlife and plant life throughout the year.

Thank you to our sponsors and funders:

Exclusive Glass Partner:

Vitro Architectural Glass Logo
RAD works here logo

The Buhl Foundation
Caroline Fredricka Holdship Charitable Trust through the PNC Charitable Trust Grant Review Committee
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority
Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust 
Walker Glass Company Ltd.

Support American Flamingos with a symbolic adoption! The Adopt-A-Bird program makes a great gift, and helps us care for our flock!

In The News

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National Aviary to turn former Shady Side Academy Middle School into new conservancy thanks to local | WPXI

The National Aviary, based on the North Side of Pittsburgh, will soon embark on creating a brand new facility, thanks to a local benefactor.

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New National Aviary Veterinary Care and Conservation Center to Open in Fox Chapel | Pittsburgh Magazine

What aims to be a world-class avian conservation center that will revolutionize avian veterinary care and the conservation of threatened and endangered birds around the world is taking flight in Fox Chapel.

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National Aviary to receive old Shady Side Academy middle school campus by donation | MSN

Fox Chapel resident and 1962 graduate S. Kent Rockwell is working to acquire Shady Side Academy middle school and plans to have the 35-acre middle school campus donated to the Aviary via the SK Rockwell Conservancy.

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National Aviary to turn former Shady Side Academy Middle School into new conservancy thanks to local philanthropist | Pittsburgh Business Times

In addition to donating the property, the SK Rockwell Conservancy plans to donate $10 million to support the programs that occur at the facility once it is open.

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National Aviary to receive old Shady Side Academy middle school campus by donation | WTAE

A Pittsburgh resident and alumni of Shady Side Academy is helping the National Aviary find a new nest for its next breeding and conservation center, teaching hospital and educational space.

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