National Aviary

The National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a special place that is the only independent indoor nonprofit aviary in the United States. It is also the largest indoor aviary in the country and has been given honorary "National" status by the United States Congress.

Visitors can see more than 500 birds, along with other animals and reptiles, representing over 150 different species. The Aviary has been part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1984, which helps make sure the animals are well cared for and that people learn about them in a good way.

This unique place lets people get close to birds from all around the world, offering a wonderful chance to learn about and appreciate these amazing creatures.

Location and features

The National Aviary is located at 700 Arch Street on Pittsburgh’s Northside, within Allegheny Commons Park in the Allegheny Center neighborhood.

Visitors can enjoy many fun activities every day. You can watch an African Penguin Feeding at Penguin Point, which has both indoor and outdoor spaces and even lets you see the penguins underwater. For a special experience, you can hand-feed the penguins with help from an expert. There are also daily feedings in the Tropical Rainforest and Wetlands areas. The Aviary also has bird shows, talks by experts, play spaces for kids, and more ways to learn and have fun.

Birds

The Aviary is home to more than 500 birds and other animals from over 150 species. Many of these birds are rare or endangered in the wild, like Andean condors and the Vietnam pheasant, which hasn't been seen in the wild since 2000. Some of the most popular birds are Sapphira and Jewel, two bright hyacinth macaws, and there is also a two-toed sloth named Wookiee.

Conservation

The National Aviary is involved in special plans to help protect different bird species. These include birds like the Bali Myna, which are almost gone from the wild, and the African penguin, which is in big trouble. The Aviary has successfully raised many African penguin chicks since 2012 and leads a special program to help these birds.

In 2013, the Aviary celebrated when a baby Eurasian owlet bird hatched and grew quickly. Since then, they have helped many more of these birds hatch. The Aviary also works with others on long-term projects to help these birds live in the wild again.

In 2019, a bird called the Guam rail was moved from being "gone from the wild" to "in big danger" by a group that watches animals worldwide. This was a big step because only one other bird had ever been moved to a better status. As of 2020, more Guam rails have hatched at the National Aviary than anywhere else in North America.

In 2024, nine Guam kingfishers were released into the wild for the first time since 1988. Three of these birds hatched at the National Aviary. More releases are planned for 2025 to help this species come back.

History and funding

The National Aviary started in 1952 in Pittsburgh as part of the Pittsburgh Aviary-Conservatory. It grew over the years, but the city stopped funding it in 1991. Local leaders started a campaign to save it, and soon after, it became a private, nonprofit organization.

In 1993, the U.S. Congress gave it special honorary status, naming it the National Aviary. Since then, it has grown with new buildings, exhibits, and programs. In 2021, a Steller's sea eagle named Kodiak escaped but was safely returned a few days later. The Aviary continues to work on saving bird populations and has added new animals and habitats over the years.