The National Aviary is America’s only independent, indoor, nonprofit zoo for birds. It is home to more than 500 birds representing more than 150 species from around the world, many of which are under threat in the wild. The large, walk-through habitats allow visitors to get up close to beautiful birds rarely seen in zoos, while becoming immersed in their environments. The Aviary offers opportunities to get even closer to birds, including handfeeding or even watching live, immersive bird shows, where guests learn all about how they can help these species in the wild and at the National Aviary.
National Aviary
The mission of the National Aviary is to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds. The National Aviary works closely with and also leads exciting conservation programs around the world through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Programs (SSP)®. In 2024, the National Aviary was part of the Sihek Recovery Project, where the Aviary played a crucial role in the release of an “Extinct in the Wild” species into the wild for the first time in nearly 40 years! Nine Guam Kingfishers (or sihek as they are known in Guam) join the predator-free island of Palmyra Atoll this fall. Three of these chicks even hatched from the Aviary’s Breeding Center. This marks a huge milestone for the species. It brings them one step closer to going from “Extinct in the Wild” to “Critically Endangered.”
The National Aviary is also a leader of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA): Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program for African Penguins. This species is endangered, and could become functionally extinct in the wild by 2035. SAFE’s efforts in the wild include supplying artificial nest burrows to the beaches of South Africa. The Aviary has trialed these nest burrows (see them in their Penguin Point habitat!) and also donated burrows to penguin colonies in the wild.
How You Can Help
Readers can support the organization through volunteering, visiting the Aviary, and donating this Giving Tuesday (December 3rd). On giving Tuesday, generous donors will be matching thousands of dollars in donations!
Every donation made to the National Aviary goes toward saving species and protecting their habitats. Your gift will support the efforts of the Aviary at home. It will provide food for their flock and abroad through hands-on conservation efforts and contributions.
Story and Photography by National Aviary
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