BRAND-NEW FOREST FUN: It’s finally time to meet the new stinkin’ cute Striped Skunks (and help name them!), and other woodland creatures this fall ONLY at the National Aviary
During the Aviary’s latest seasonal theme, Forests Presented by Peoples, find yourself wandering along tree-covered pathways, with cascading pumpkins around colorful photo opportunities for families and friends alike; engaging play spaces for climbing on, and to cozy up in, and of course, meeting new Animal Ambassadors.
(September 8, 2026, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania): Starting tomorrow, September 9, autumnal décor, new Seasonal Daily Activities including Expert Talks, and other special programming make for the ultimate way to spend a crisp fall day at the National Aviary.
Peer into the forested habitat home to the Northeast’s ONLY Harpy Eagle, whose talons are as big as the claws of another woodland creature: a Grizzly Bear! “Fly” down The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall to ‘meet’ Dariéna, the juvenile Harpy Eagle who just turned a year old.
Get the opportunity to see two additional, juvenile social media darlings during the Forested Wetlands Feeding, included with General Admission: a recently rehabilitated Brown Pelican, and a rosy-hued Roseate Spoonbill!
“Hike” to the Tropical Rainforest and regale in the Tropical Rainforest Feeding, as a new Great Argus pairing strut by to enjoy a tasty, home-prepared meal.
And several NEW opportunities to meet Striped Skunk sisters await visitors.
Meet one of the ladies during Forest Friends: Expert Talk up close while learning about the biodiversity found in forest ecosystems (fun fact: you’ll also meet ANOTHER forest-dwelling species during the talk!). Plus, discover easy ways you can help forests around the world. To meet the other sister, add on a Skunk Painting Encounter where you’ll get the opportunity to feed her.
“We are so excited for guests to have this opportunity to meet our newest Animal Ambassadors!” says Cathy Schlott, director of animal programs and experiences. “The National Aviary loves to talk about the symbiotic relationships between birds and other animals to highlight the importance of caring for our shared environments. That’s why we wanted to offer an opportunity included with General Admission AND an add-on option to get even closer!”
And of course, round one of the Skunk Naming Contest continues through noon EST on September 14. After all name suggestions are reviewed by our Animal Care Team, six names (three sets of two) will be selected, and the National Aviary will host a paid voting period starting September 15 to determine the ladies’ official monikers, which will be announced by early October. It will be $5 for 5 votes, and you can vote as many times as you want (with a $5 minimum).
EVERYONE who submits the winning name(s) in Round One will be entered to win a complimentary, private Skunk Painting Encounter for two AND meet BOTH sisters! Visit aviary.org for all contest rules.
Guests can get closer and perhaps even closer to more surreal forest-dwelling species by purchasing add-on experiences. These include hand-feeding Rainbow Lorikeets; taking a virtual trip to national parks around the globe on the new flight simulator program Birdly World; and attending the Aviary’s most immersive bird show to date: Passport to Parks, presented by AAA Travel.
“Fall is such a fun and exciting time to visit the Aviary,” continues Cathy. “Not only do we have new daily programming, unique add-on opportunities, classes and workshops, and Interactive Play Spaces for kids; October marks the return of two signature animal-lover celebrations: International African Penguin Awareness Day and Owl-O-ween, that you won’t want to miss!”
For more information on Daily Activities, the full list of upcoming events, and the birds that reside at the National Aviary, visit aviary.org.
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About the National Aviary
The one and only National Aviary has been located on Pittsburgh’s historic Northside since its founding in 1952. The National Aviary is home to more than 500 birds representing more than 150 diverse species from around the world; many of them threatened or endangered in the wild. The National Aviary’s large walk-through habitats create an intimate, up-close interaction between visitors and free-flying birds, including opportunities to hand-feed and to meet many species rarely found in zoos. For tickets and more information, visit aviary.org.
The National Aviary’s fall season begins September 9. The National Aviary is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm and CLOSED on Tuesdays in the fall and winter. For a full list of hours, including holidays, visit aviary.org.