Species Survival Plan®

Species Survival Plan®

The National Aviary is proud to be part of the Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Programs for more than 80 species. SSP Programs work to protect endangered species and ensure their survival through breeding programs, habitat preservation, and education.

By participating in these plans, the National Aviary is taking an active role in the conservation of some of the world’s most vulnerable species. Read just a few of our stories below.

Some of our animals within SSP Programs may temporarily move to other accredited zoos at the recommendation of the SSP coordinator(s).

  • Eurasian Eagle-Owls

    Eurasian Eagle-Owls faced considerable decline in Europe in the 1900s, going extinct in select areas and facing population reductions elsewhere.

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  • Guam Kingfishers

    Guam Kingfishers, known locally as Sihek, have been Extinct in the Wild for four decades.

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  • Guam Rails

    In 1987, only 21 Guam Rails remained after their population was nearly driven to extinction by an invasive species.

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  • Vietnam Pheasants

    Not seen in the wild since 2000, the Vietnam Pheasant is currently listed as Critically Endangered, but many believe the species could be Extinct in the Wild.

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In The News

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The Bird That Builds Its Own Incubator and Raises Itself (ft. insights from Senior Aviculturist, Brianna Crane) | A-Z Animals

Rather than sitting on their eggs themselves, they rely on external heat sources for incubation.

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National Aviary’s new bird causing a buzz in Northeast | KDKA

The Aviary recently welcomed Dariéna, a one-year-old female Harpy Eagle from the Miami Zoo, and she is the only known Harpy Eagle in the entire Northeast, weighing around 17 to 20 pounds.

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Peregrine Falcon Storm on KDKA News Radio! | KDKA

Director of Animal Programs and Experiences, Cathy Schlott talks all things Peregrine Falcons with John and Rachael from YaJagoff!

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New harpy eagle at the Aviary is a ‘once-in-a-lifetime species to see’ | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh has the only one in the Northeast, reflecting the bird's endangered status in the wild and slow reproduction rate.

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National Aviary Welcomes ONLY Harpy Eagle on the Northeast! | National Aviary

The National Aviary is overjoyed to welcome a new juvenile female Harpy Eagle to our flock! Hailing from the Miami Zoo (tag), this one-year-old raptor is the ONLY known Harpy living in the Northeast...  

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