• Animal Encounters & Programs
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• Life Underground Encounter

Life Underground Encounter

THIS FALL ONLY!

Daily at 1:30 pm
Members: $89.10 per person
Non-Members: $99 per person
Includes General Admission
Ages 6+
*Available beginning Wed., September 3

YOU’LL DIG THIS: Join us “down the rabbit hole” as we uncover the hidden world that bustles beneath our feet! From the surprisingly deep tunnels crafted by a Four-toed Hedgehog to the secretive, snug hideout of a Striped Skunk, these captivating critters will show you how they are known as some of nature’s original underground architects!

• Unearth the many reasons why animals burrow…from carving out a cozy nap spot, to escaping predators…alongside an Aviary expert.
• Meet a scent-sational Striped Skunk!
  • Hand-feed Pepper Jack or Gouda a few of their Striped Skunk-approved treats…including a few foods that are known staples in human diets!*
  • Get an up-close look at a skunk’s keen sense of smell as they explore their environment (and listen to the pitter-patter of their adorable feet, too!)
• Say hello to a quill-y cute Four-toed Hedgehog!
  • Watch as Doris forages through a naturalistic, custom-made portable habitat as an Aviary expert highlights the species’ importance to a biodiverse ecosystem.
• Learn about both of these notoriously nocturnal critters and discover how your Encounter plays a crucial role in our conservation efforts around the world.
• Guests are encouraged to take photos or videos and ask questions.

Book a Life Underground Encounter

Additional Information

• This unique experience is designed for those ages 6 and up. Children between the ages of 6 and 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult over 18 years of age.
• Book before you visit to guarantee your experience. Same-day registration is based on limited program availability and cannot be guaranteed.  
• Touching Policy: Please note, touching the Striped Skunk and Four-toed Hedgehog during a Life Underground Encounter is strictly prohibited.
• At the National Aviary, we give our animals the choice to participate in interactive experiences with caring guests like you! If our Animal Ambassador needs a day of rest, we will contact you to reschedule your Encounter, as the comfort and safety of our animals and our guests is always our top priority. Thank you for understanding!

*Similar to other Animal Ambassadors at the Aviary (and many humans!), Pepper Jack and Gouda prefer their personal space, so please do not touch. An Aviary expert will demonstrate how to hand-feed the Skunk during the Encounter!
**Don’t worry: our resident Striped Skunks were “de-scented” before their arrival to the Aviary – meaning their scent glands were safely removed.

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 412-258-9445.

^{Proceeds from Animal Encounters support the National Aviary’s work to save birds and protect their habitats.}