Skunk Painting Encounter

Skunk Painting Encounter

IT’S BACK: JUST FOR JUNE!

Daily at 10:30 am
Members: $66.60 per person
Non-Members: $74 per person
Includes General Admission
Ages 10+
*Available between June 1 – 30

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND FOR ONE MONTH ONLY: A scent-sational opportunity awaits! Meet one of the National Aviary’s NEWEST Animal Ambassadors: a Striped Skunk!

You may have spotted these adorable critters from afar, scurrying through your backyard…now you can get up close with one. Don’t miss your chance to see a skunk in a whole new light (literally, as they are mostly nocturnal) – just inches away!

  • Watch as Gouda or Pepper Jack creates a black-and-white canvas (like a skunk’s iconic coloration!) for YOU to take home! Listen closely for the pitter-patter of his feet as he walks across a canvas, leaving adorable paw prints using animal-safe paint.
  • Feed him a few of his favorite treats, including a few foods that are staples in human diets, too!*
  • Get an up-close look at a skunk’s keen sense of smell as Gouda demonstrates his foraging behaviors. PLUS, learn about a skunk’s other iconic “smell.”**
  • Learn about this often misunderstood, nocturnal mammal from an Aviary expert and discover how your Encounter plays a crucial role in our conservation efforts. 
  • Guests are encouraged to take photos or videos and to ask questions.
Book a Skunk Painting Encounter

Reserve your spot today, this popular Encounter is sure to sell out!

THIS SUMMER ONLY: Pop-Up Encounters

Mark your calendars for more unique Pop-Up Encounters through the summer, including a Penguin Painting Encounter in July, and an Armadillo and Friend Encounter in August. More details and registration coming soon!

Additional Information

  • This unique experience is designed for those ages 10 and up. Children 15 and under 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.  
  • 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.

In The News

See All News

Endangered Species Day Statement on the Endangered Species Act | National Aviary

The National Aviary works to save birds and protect their habitats. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) has been crucial to helping preserve the habitats of declining animal populations; we see that in Pittsburgh particularly with the resurgence of Bald Eagles; a species once at risk for extinction.

Read More »

Two peregrine falcon chicks hatch atop Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning | 90.5 WESA

The peregrine falcons nesting on the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning welcomed two new hatchlings Thursday.

Read More »

First peregrine falcon chick hatches in Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning nest | KDKA News

It's Take Your Kid to Work Day, and the peregrine falcons nesting on Pitt's Cathedral of Learning apparently got the memo. 

Read More »

Newly Released Guam Kingfishers Produce Eggs in the Wild for the First Time in 40 Years!! | National Aviary

The Nine Birds released last fall (including three that hatched at the Aviary) continue to thrive in their new home on Palmyra Atoll

Read More »

New Andean condor arrives at National Aviary | CBS News

A new Andean condor has arrived at the National Aviary, with the hope that he'll play a role in conserving the species.

Read More »