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The National Aviary is closed Tuesday, March 28 and will reopen Wednesday, March 29. Please book your tickets via aviary.org! Reserve Tickets

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Animal Encounters

Animal Encounters

You can get nose-to-beak (or snout) with animals at the National Aviary when you book an Animal Encounter! Get one-on-one time with a bird of prey, hang out with a sloth, or spend time with a penguin. Encounters are limited in size, so you’ll have a one-of-a-kind, personal experience as a National Aviary expert shares fascinating facts and details about the animal ambassador you are meeting. Gain a deeper understanding of a unique bird or mammal and learn about the important role they play in nature as you get closer than ever! 

All National Aviary Animal Encounters now include general admission!

  • Sloth Encounter

    If life in the slow lane is more your speed, spend time with a Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth. Learn about these adorable creatures and what it’s like to spend life upside-down.

    Sloth Encounter
  • Sloth Encounter + Painting

    Participants get the opportunity to watch Valentino engage his senses by creating a one-of-a-kind masterpiece for you to take home! Guests will also get the chance to feed him his favorite treats and touch his soft fur!

    Sloth Encounter + Painting
  • Penguin Encounter

    Meet an African Penguin up close! Learn how penguins make themselves waterproof for life lived partially underwater. Get to know the National Aviary penguins’ favorite foods, and find out how you can help protect this endangered species.

    Penguin Encounter
  • This Spring: Interactive Penguin Feeding

    Feed the entire colony of African Penguins, available April 1 - November 15! Suit up and join an expert in Penguin Point. Penguins will come right up to be fed their favorite foods during this one-of-a-kind immersive experience.

    Interactive Penguin Feeding
  • Owl Encounter

    With enormous eyes and feathers designed for silent flight, owls are masters of the night skies! Hold an owl on your gloved hand and learn how their hearing and eyesight help them navigate in the dark.

    Owl Encounter
  • Falcon Encounter

    Falcons are fast and fearsome flyers, among the fastest animals in the world. Meet a falcon up close and learn how their special adaptations make these birds of prey the masters of the skies.

    Falcon Encounter
  • Coming Soon: Hawk Encounter

    Hawks are as powerful as they are fierce. Enjoy an up close experience with a hawk and learn their incredible, apex adaptations.

    Hawk Encounter
  • Jr. Toucan

    Your little one will be amazed at how close they can get to this pint-sized tropical bird!

    Jr. Toucan Encounter

In The News

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A very large guide to spring events in Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh City Paper

Must-see and must-do events around the city, including at the National Aviary!

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Penguin Palooza takes over the National Aviary | The Duquesne Duke

Children, parents and grandparents waddled on over to the National Aviary’s Penguin Palooza last Saturday and Sunday to enjoy everything penguin-related.

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Meet cool raptors and cute creatures at National Aviary’s Habitat Heroes live show | Pittsburgh City Paper

Habitat Heroes explores the superhero-like adaptations that make it possible for birds to thrive in even the harshest environments.

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“Habitat Heroes”, Assemble! National Aviary Launches New Immersive Show, Where Birds are the Superheroes | National Aviary News

Habitat Heroes Presented by AAA Travel takes audiences on an adventure around the world following superheroes like the impressive Bald Eagle and the majestic Gray Crowned-Crane.

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