The National Aviary: Review

I should open this post with a quick disclaimer and state that I have a personal connection to the National Aviary, so I'm a little biased.  Nonetheless, I wanted to write about it, because I really do feel that it's an extraordinary place worthy of attention and accolades. 

The facility, located on the North Side of Pittsburgh, has undergone some major changes and additions, and they continue to renovate exhibits frequently.  This is always done with the birds' happiness in mind, accommodating their need for stimulation in their spaces.  In fact, the birds' happiness and well-being are truly of utmost importance at the Aviary.  My experience with their practice behind-the-scenes is totally consistent with that idea - they have fine-tuned their training practices, trainers are constantly providing new activities for the birds to keep them engaged and active, and even the volunteers and interns undergo extensive training to ensure the safety and comfort of the birds.  And don't even get me started on the incredible veterinary staff.

I have always felt that zoos are a "necessary evil" - that while it's not ideal to keep an animal in an artificial environment rather than out in nature, we need zoos to educate and to inspire.  The Aviary really embodies this - their educational programming is absolutely fantastic, and really targets different age groups well.  It's a great way for kids of all ages to learn about the birds and about preserving the natural habitats of all creatures for the future survival of at-risk species. 

One of the greatest things at the Aviary is their devotion to the Species Survival Plan.  Staff members are very knowledgeable about this program, and many of the birds at the Aviary are part of the plan.  It's a collaboration between zoos the world over to preserve both numbers of individuals and genetic diversity of the population (in order to ensure strong offspring).  The African Penguins and Guam Rails recently hatched at the Aviary are examples of the success of this program.

Stepping off my soapbox now, the main point about the Aviary is that it's just such a neat place to be!  The different environments that visitors walk through seem to have their own unique moods and rhythms.  My favorites are the tropical rainforest and the grasslands - both spaces are usually active yet mellow. 

Here are my photos from today, using my shiny new camera:

Benito the Hyacinth Macaw shows off for the camera

White-Cheeked Turaco

Burrowing Owl

African Penguin - this is one of the recently-hatched young'uns!

 Adult African Penguins

 

Shaft-Tail Finches

African Gray Parrot

Inca Tern

Victoria Crown Pigeon

Guam Rail

Cape Thick-Knee

This is just a snippet of what's on offer at the Aviary.  Better yet, there are interactive feedings run by the trainers, where guests can even get a chance to feed a bird.  There are also fantastic bird shows, run by an extremely capable show staff.  The training process for the shows is absolutely amazing, and very intense.  Since training must be consistent across the board, there is a very precise training protocol that the staff follows. 

The Aviary has great summer programming, as well as some summer camp sessions, and tours for large groups.  Wing your way over to their website for more information!