Explore the Incredible World of Raptors and Other Dynamic Birds of Prey During New Captivating Daily Activities, Interactive Play Spaces, and Special Events This Summer ONLY at the National Aviary!
Each season at the National Aviary brings exciting NEW limited-time only Daily Activities, interactive décor, one-of-a-kind experiences, and occasionally even new SPECIES! This summer certainly takes the cake...or should we say “carrion!” Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, the new summer-ONLY theme, Remarkable Raptors Presented by S&T Bank, begins May 23 and will educate visitors about these fierce flyers of all shapes and sizes, including what attributes make them so remarkable.
During the summer-season Daily Activity Royal Raptors Stroll, guests will visit the Aviary’s Condor Court habitat to view a pair of the iconic raptor species, Bald Eagles! Learn from an Aviary expert about the key differences between raptors like the eagle and other birds of prey, such as Andean Condors! While strolling, guests will also discover other Condor Court residents, including a dynamic pair of Laughing Kookaburras whose hunting prowess rivals that of the fiercest of raptors. PLUS, this summer only features the National Aviary’s most captivating fully free-flighted indoor raptor show to date, Fierce in Flight. Escape from the Pittsburgh heat in the comfort of the cool Helen M. Schmidt FliteZoneTM Theater as majestic raptors swoop down overhead. With Black Kites (not seen in any other U.S. zoos), Hooded Vultures, crows, and a Lanner Falcon, attendees will discover the wild and wonderful world of birds of prey, learn all about their unparalleled adaptations from an Aviary expert, and maybe even get the chance to participate in the show!
Passport to Parks, presented by AAA Travel, lovers have no need to worry; limited offerings of the fan-favorite immersive bird show will still be offered throughout the week. Remarkable Raptors also includes the debut of a NEW mystery raptor that guests will be able to visit in The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall. Stay tuned to the Aviary’s social media channels for exciting updates and an official announcement.
Make way to Canary’s Call Presented by Dollar Bank to hand-feed a cup of nectar to Rainbow Lorikeets, a unique species of parrot which some consider to be a “distant cousin” of raptors. Get even closer to raptors, and for the first time ever enjoy DOUBLE the flighted fun during a summer-only Falcon + Flighted Friend Animal Encounter. Guests can snap a photo with a fierce Lanner Falcon as it flies to their gloved hand, PLUS, enjoy a visit from a second flighted Aviary Animal Ambassador such as another bird of prey or a Curl-crested Aracari! Those who missed out on the ever-popular Flamingo Encounter, which sold out in record time last year, will get another chance to take a seat on the Wetlands beach as these vibrantly pink birds wade closer for a tasty meal. Offered weekends only this summer; guests can enjoy the only Flamingo Encounter offered in an AZA-accredited institution in Western PA.
Young “nestlings” can get in on the rowdy raptor festivities with gripping photo opportunities and Interactive Play Spaces: kiddos can see how they measure up to powerful raptor species with a selection of majestic bird of prey wingspan displays, including a Martial Eagle and a Lanner Falcon; explore a “toolbox” perfectly equipped to assemble their own custom raptor; grab a kid-sized falconer’s glove and practice handling plush raptors at the Junior Falconer station; hunt and forage, just as a raptor would, at the Remarkable Raptors Sensory Table; and dive into the amazing flights, hunts, and species of raptors, in the Remarkable Raptors Book Nook!
The National Aviary is also a one-stop shop for celebrating Moms, Dads, & Grads, with a variety of unique gifts perfect for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Grad season! Gifts for moms include nature-inspired earrings paired with a perfect trinket tray. Embrace her creative side (or jumpstart a new, relaxing hobby!) with a mini cross-stitch embroidery kit, a nod to the rising trend of screen-free moments. Or add a pop of color to her spring decorations with an eco-friendly, quick-drying towel – a cute, sustainable home upgrade! Gift Dad with a Live Feed Bird Feeder and a trusty field guide for easy identification! Once he builds his confidence and starts venturing beyond his backyard, he’ll certainly need an Aviary water bottle for hydration. For the non-bird enthusiasts give them the brunch of their dreams at Father’s Day Brunch in The Garden Room. For recent Grads moving out on their own, help decorate their new home with a Pittsburgh magnet and gorgeous window gems that help prevent bird collisions. Admission is not required to shop onsite at the Aviary Gift Shop or browse the online store for thoughtful gifts.
A National Aviary Membership makes the ultimate gift for even the pickiest of people. Members enjoy a variety of perks including FREE admission to the Aviary for a year, discounts on Animal Encounters, live shows, select programming, and Gift Shop purchases, plus access to exclusive events including an Expert Talk series! PLUS, Dual and Family Members can now bring someone not listed on their Membership to help share the Aviary fun.
Mark those calendars for a host of upcoming interactive programs, expert talks, and special events. Start with sightseeing for beautiful birds during an upcoming Birdwatching Kayak Tour or Birding Expedition at Cook Forest. Prepare for summer vacay by painting an eco-friendly beach bag with an adorable penguin portrait during a happy hour edition of Brushes & Birds. Follow step-by-step instructions from Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas (mariasIdeas.com) while enjoying an add-on wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverage from Atria’s Specialty Catering. Listen to exciting recounts of the Aviary’s critical work to save vultures in the wild from an expert and even meet a special Avian Ambassador up-close during the NEW Species Spotlight series. Re-live those precious childhood memories during Summer Camp for Adults. Celebrate everyone’s favorite slo-o-o-west moving mammal during a Sloth Birthday Celebration. And don’t forget to grab tickets for the summer’s hottest soirée returning this year with a Mediterranean twist, Night in the Tropics: Sunset Riviera Presented by UPMC Health Plan!
The National Aviary is committed to providing individualized care for each bird, mammal, and reptile that calls it home, at every phase of their lives. This unequivocal dedication is exemplified through the impressive lifespan of several of the Aviary’s residents, many of whom have been identified as the oldest on record for their species within accredited zoos. Two of these include the Tropical Rainforest-dwelling Nicobar Pigeon, Lady, and Wetlands resident Hadada Ibis, Floyd, turning 41 and 40 this year, respectively. In addition, Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth, Wookiee has surpassed the average lifespan of his wild counterparts by nearly a decade, celebrating the unparalleled age of 26 this August. And Andean Condor Lianni continues to thrive with a normal active life after receiving innovative treatments back in 2012.
Help the National Aviary continue to protect the extended future of the residents listed above along with others in their care by donating to the Spring Annual Campaign: For the Golden Years: Fulfilling a Lifelong Promise. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous friend of the Aviary, those who give will be matched up to $30,000!
Current & Upcoming Events/Programs |
Brushes & Birds: Beach Bag featuring Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas| Thursday, June 11 | 5:30 – 8 pm | Members $40; Non-Members $45 | 21+ | All materials included
JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER VACATION! Participants will paint their very own eco-friendly beach bag featuring adorable African Penguins! Designed for painters of all ages and abilities, follow Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas (mariasideas.com) step-by-step instructions to paint a portrait of a well-loved National Aviary resident, like our African Penguins. Prior to class, relax with friends and meet a National Aviary Animal Ambassador! Enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverage and scrumptious bites, which will be available for purchase from Atria’s Specialty Catering. Register in advance at aviary.org. This event is 21+
Birdwatching Kayak Tours with L.L. Bean (Spring Migration) | Sundays, June 14, July 26, & August 23
Take to the water with the National Aviary and L.L.Bean for a birding adventure by kayak! L.L.Bean’s experienced and professional guides will provide on-land instruction on kayaking equipment, basic strokes, and safety guidelines before a National Aviary expert leads kayakers out on North Park Lake in Allegheny County. Scan the shoreline and surrounding forest for birds. L.L.Bean will provide all necessary equipment, including kayaks, paddles, safety floatation devices, and L.L.Bean Discovery Binoculars. No prior experience is necessary.
June 14 | 5:30 – 8:30 am
July 26 | 6:00 – 9:00 pm
August 23 | 6:00 – 9:00 pm
The birdwatching kayak tours are open to participants 8 years or older; those under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult
$75 per person, per session
Register in advance at aviary.org
NEW! Species Spotlight: Vultures | Thursday, June 18 | 2 – 4 pm | Members: $25; Non-Members: $30 | 18+
During this NEW class exclusively created for adults, attendees will learn about the specialized biology that allow vultures to thrive as scavengers: making sure no scraps go to waste! Meet a National Aviary expert who has traveled to South Africa to work on vulture conservation, discover the variety of threats vultures face from humans, and visit Condor Court to see the Aviary’s most spectacular vulture residents (and admire their impressive wingspan). The class also includes a chance to meet a bird of prey Animal Ambassador up close (that’s right: vultures AREN’T raptors!) to understand the similarities AND differences between them and raptors. Register in advance at aviary.org. This event is 18+.
Birding Expedition: Cook Forest | Sunday, June 21
Join the National Aviary for an unforgettable Birding Expedition in Cook Forest. Walk amongst the historic, towering white pines and hemlock trees with an Aviary expert. Stroll underneath the photo-worthy Forest Cathedral, where birders and animal-lovers alike will be able to hone their bird identification skills, while younger families can learn the basics as they explore one of Western Pennsylvania’s most beautiful locations.
- 8:30 am – 11:30 am
- The birding expedition tour is open to participants 6 years or older; those under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult
- Non-Members: $55 per person; Member Price: 50 per person
- Meet at Cook Forest
- Register in advance at aviary.org
Summer Camp…For Adults! | Saturday, August 15 or 22
Camp-goers can embrace their inner child at the National Aviary Summer Camp for Adults! Spend a day with Aviary staff and go behind-the-scenes to see what it takes to care for the more than 500 birds and other animals that call the National Aviary home! Help prepare enrichment for the flock, get up close with Animal Ambassadors, and learn about National Aviary conservation projects across the globe.
9 am – 3 pm
A packed lunch from Atria’s Specialty Catering will be provided
$150 per person
Saturday, August 15 | Register in advance at aviary.org
Saturday, August 22 | Register in advance at aviary.org
Sloth Birthday Celebration |Thursday, August 20
Help the National Aviary’s Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloths, Vivien (turning nine), and Wookiee (turning 26!) celebrate their birthdays during a festive Sloth Birthday Celebration.
11 am – 3pm
Included with National Aviary Admission
Purchase tickets in advance at aviary.org
Save the Date for these Special Events |
Father’s Day Brunch in The Garden Room | Sunday, June 21
Adults: $55 per person; Children 12 and Under: $35 per person
Seatings at 11 am and 12:45 pm | Brunch includes National Aviary Admission
Show Dad some love with a special feast prepared by the friendly staff of Atria’s Specialty Catering. Enjoy a sampling of fresh fruits and pastries before the main course: a selection of gourmet dishes from Executive Chef Nathan Collins including Lager Waffles and Bone in Wing Dings, Texas Sage Links, 11th Hour BBQ Beef Briskey, a Loaded Baked Potato Bar, and much more! Pair this delicious meal with a cold beer available for purchase. After dining, take Dad on a journey through the National Aviary’s lush and vibrant habitats. Register in advance at aviary.org.
Night in the Tropics Presented by UPMC Health Plan |
Friday, July 11
General Admission 7 – 11 pm | NEW! VIP Plus & VIP Access at 5 pm
General Admission $128 | 7 – 11 pm ($125 ticket + $3 required convenience fee)
VIP: $188 | 5 – 11 pm ($185 ticket + $3 required convenience fee)
NEW! VIP Plus: $253 | 5 – 11 pm ($250 ticket + $3 required convenience fee)
“Set sail” for a dreamy Mediterranean-inspired paradise on the North Shore on July 17 at the National Aviary’s 21+ summer party: Night in the Tropics: Sunset Riviera Presented by UPMC Health Plan! The ‘flagship’ event, which returns on a Friday by popular demand, gives guests a chance at an island escape to paradise, all while eating, drinking, and dancing to the tunes of No Bad Juju, in a celebratory style rivaling an extravagant charter guest yacht party.
NEW! - VIP Plus tickets include all the perks of a VIP ticket: free valet parking, two additional hours of party access, and a full bar with premium spirits, PLUS an EXCLUSIVE experience with a National Aviary Animal Ambassador, and a $50 tax-deductible donation to the National Aviary.
VIP tickets include free valet parking, two additional hours of party access, during which you'll get special programming and encounters with National Aviary Animal Ambassadors, as well as a full bar with premium spirits. Tickets on sale now at aviary.org
The National Aviary’s summer season, Remarkable Raptors Presented by S&T Bank, begins Saturday, May 23.
The National Aviary is open Daily 10 am – 5 pm.
