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.

    Learn More

In The News

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For $5, you can help name National Aviary’s skunk sisters. How to vote | USA Today

Pittsburgh's two new skunk sisters are one step closer to getting their names, thanks to the internet.

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National Aviary close to naming sister skunks. See the finalist names. | USA Today Pets

Two skunk sisters at Pittsburgh's National Aviary are close to getting names after more than 18,000 public suggestions.

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National Aviary selects sets of names for skunk sister public vote | WPXI

The aviary’s animal care team has selected six names (three pairs) for the public to vote on in round two of the competition.

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Striped skunk sisters make their debut at National Aviary | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

When you think of animal ambassadors, giant pandas and bald eagles come to mind, but a skunk? The latest animal ambassador at the National Aviary is a sister pair of 4-month-old striped skunks from the Cincinnati Zoo.

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National Aviary selects 3 sets of names for new skunk sisters for public to vote on | WPXI

The aviary’s animal care team has selected six names (three pairs) for the public to vote on in round two of the competition. The names are Feta and Ricotta, Petunia and Daisy, and Poppy and Pepper.

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