• Animal Encounters and Programs
• Animal Encounters
• Owl Encounter

Owl Encounter

Daily, except Tuesdays at 1:30 pm
Members: $66.60 per person
Non-Members: $74 per person
Includes General Admission
Ages 6+

Hoot hoot, who-o-o-o wants to hold a mysterious owl?! Fly into the extraordinary world of owls during a National Aviary Owl Encounter with Apollo, Luna, or Cedar!

• Meet one of our mystifying, adorable owl Animal Ambassadors!
  • Say hello to Eastern Screech-Owl Luna, who is remarkably curious about her surroundings, or Cedar, known for his impressive vocalizations, or Northern White-faced Owl, Apollo, who has stunning facial plumage.
• Hold one of them on your gloved-hand with the assistance of an Aviary aviculturist*. 
• Learn about an owl’s unique adaptations, from their uncanny ability to turn their head almost 360 degrees, to their exceptional eyesight and silent flight! Plus, closely look at an owl’s feathers, which allow them to perfectly camouflage against tree bark.
• Find out how to help protect owls like Luna and Cedar in your backyard (Yes, Eastern Screech-Owls are native to Western Pennsylvania!).
• Yes, you can take photos or videos and of course, ask our experts questions!

Book Owl Encounter!

^{*An aviculturist is a National Aviary expert who provides daily care for the owl}

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

Additional Information

• This unique experience is designed for those ages 6 and older.
  • All children 17 and under must have their release forms signed by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by another encounter participant over the age of 18.
• Animal Encounters are non-refundable. Requests to reschedule must be made a minimum of 7 days in advance, based upon availability.
• Book before you visit to guarantee your experience. Same-day registration is based on limited program availability and cannot be guaranteed.  
• Please Note: At the National Aviary, we give our animals the choice to participate in interactive experiences with caring guests, like you! As the comfort and safety of our animals and our guests is always our top priority, animals may choose not to participate on any given day. In the event the animal needs a day of rest or chooses not to participate, we will happily reschedule your experience.

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