National Aviary

National Aviary and its collection

National Aviary, opened in 1952, is a zoo in Pittsburgh, United States.

It is the largest indoor aviary in the country and the only one given honorary National standing by Congress. More than 500 birds are kept, along with other animals and reptiles, amounting to over 150 species in all.

History

Its predecessor, the Pittsburgh Aviary-Conservatory, was a municipal project of 1952 that took over ground once occupied by the North Side Conservatory. The original 3,640 sq ft was expanded to 25,000 sq ft in 1967, when a wetlands room was also created. Municipal funding ceased in 1991 as the city's tax base shrank.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include Black Kites, Lanner Falcons, Harpy Eagle, Steller’s Sea Eagles and African Penguin.

Exhibits

Its exhibits include Canary’s Call, Condor Court, Grasslands, Penguin Point and Eagle Hall.

Things to do

Things to do include Fierce in Flight, Falcon + Flighted Friend Encounter, Flamingo Feeding Encounter, Penguin Feeding Encounter and Penguin Encounter.

Conservation and approach

It participates in Species Survival Plans covering the Bali myna, the Guam kingfisher, the Vietnam pheasant and the African penguin. February 2012 brought the hatching of its first pair of African penguin chicks.

What the venue says

• Penguin Feeding Encounter
• Fly on Birdly®
• Peregrine FalconCam
• The primary spot for on-site dining, offering made-to-order entrees, grab-and-go items, snacks, desserts, and a selection of hot and cold beverages (including bird-friendly coffee).
• Parking in the National Aviary parking lot is available on a first-come, first-served basis for a flat rate of $7. Please note: The Aviary parking lot closes nightly at 5 pm.