Animal Encounters

Book an Animal Encounter today and get even closer to animals! Get nose-to-beak (or snout) with National Aviary Animal Ambassadors! Hang out with a sloth, hold a stunning bird of prey on your gloved hand, or spend quality time with a penguin while learning about these unique birds and mammals from a National Aviary expert.

All National Aviary Animal Encounters include General Admission; National Aviary Members receive a discount.

Falcon Encounter

THIS SEASON ONLY: Meet a master of the sky and dive into the world of falcons alongside a National Aviary expert!
Falcon Encounter
Penguin Feeding Encounter

From March 15 - November 15, suit up alongside an Aviary expert and hand-feed our Penguin Point colony during mealtime.
Penguin Feeding Encounter
Penguin Encounter

Meet an African Penguin up close! Get to know the National Aviary penguins’ favorite foods, and find out how you can help this Critically Endangered species at home and in the wild.
Penguin Encounter
Sloth Encounter

Hang out with a Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth and learn about life in the slow lane with these adorable creatures.
Sloth Encounter
Sloth Encounter + Painting

Watch resident artist, Valentino, create a one-of-kind masterpiece just for you! Learn about sloths natural behaviors and hand-feed Val a few treats!
Sloth Encounter + Painting
Owl Encounter

Who-o-o wouldn’t want to hold an owl on your gloved hand while an Aviary expert teaches you about their incredible adaptations?
Owl Encounter

In The News

See All News

Why Animals in Cold Climates Are Bigger: The Science Behind Bergmann’s Rule (featuring an interview with Bob Mulvihill) | A-Z Animals

“Large animals can conserve heat more efficiently than smaller animals in cold climates,” explains Bob Mulvihill, Lead Ornithologist for the National Aviary.

Penguins To Hold ‘Penguins Pledge Night’ Presented by U. S. Steel | Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins Pledge will also raise funds and call attention to the National Aviary in Pittsburgh and their conservation leadership with African Penguins.

Record Number of Peregrine Falcons Counted in Allegheny County | National Today

Conservation efforts have helped the raptor species rebound in the region.

Why Are There No Birds in My Birdhouse? I Asked Expert Bob Mulvihill Who Told Me How to Attract Birds to Any Birdhouse | Gardening Know How

To help ensure your birdhouses are as appealing to birds as possible, [we] asked a National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill for the most common reasons why houses remain vacant and how to make houses more attractive to garden birds.

Peregrine falcons to be protected during Tarentum Bridge construction project | TribLive

Peregrine falcons that nest under the Tarentum Bridge will be protected as best they can during an upcoming, long-term construction project along the span.

Animal Encounters