Megan Hinds

National Aviary

The National Aviary is America's only independent indoor nonprofit zoo dedicated exclusively to birds. Located in West Park on Pittsburgh's historic North Side, the National Aviary is home to more than 500 birds representing more than 150 species from around the world, many of them threatened or endangered in the wild. The National Aviary's large walk-through habitats create an experience unlike any other – an intimate, up-close immersive experience between visitors and free-flying birds, including opportunities to hand-feed and meet many species rarely found in zoos anywhere else in the world. As an environmental organization composed of educators, conservationists and researchers, the National Aviary's goals are many. The National Aviary aims to provide outstanding education programming for varied audiences; present the highest quality family recreational experience that a zoological institution can offer; save endangered species by preserving natural habitats; continue endangered bird breeding programs and conduct meaningful avian research; engender a sincere appreciation of nature and a respect for natural law; and instill a conservation ethic that teaches our immense responsibility as stewards of the planet.