Newly reaccredited National Aviary boasts seasonal activities
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The National Aviary has received an early Christmas gift, with renewed accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Glad tidings from the facility on Pittsburgh’s North Side also include the return of special holiday events after a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic.
“AZA accreditation is the gold standard for zoological institutions,” a statement from the Aviary said. “In order to achieve accreditation, zoos undergo a rigorous evaluation process designed to ensure that animal welfare and wellbeing, veterinary care, conservation efforts, education programs, safety, financial stability, and other criteria are of the highest quality.”
The accreditation process includes a detailed application and multiple-day, on-site inspection of all aspects of the facility’s operation, along with a formal hearing with the institution’s top officials. AZA requires facilities to complete the accreditation process every five years as a condition of membership.
Special December events at the Aviary, which has maintained continuous AZA accreditation since 1984, include:
Season’s Greetings Saturdays
The festive fun is set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 18, offering opportunities to meet a beautiful bird during a winter-themed storytime. Visitors can send a letter to Santa via the National Aviary’s North Pole-approved mailbox and pick up a holiday-themed craft to take home.
Activities are included with general admission.
Holiday Brunch
Seatings will be at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 19 in the Garden Room. Prepared by Chef Josef of Atria’s Specialty Catering, brunch will include fresh-cut fruit, freshly baked pastries and main dishes including challah French toast, holiday ham off the bone, firecracker chicken and waffles and farmer’s basil crepes in Mornay sauce. Cocktails and craft beer will be available for purchase.
Brunch is $55, $35 for ages 3-14, or free for younger children; preregistration is required. General admission to the Aviary is included.
Holidays in the Garden
From 5-8 p.m. Dec. 26-29, visitors can explore tropical walk-through habitats at night, as beautiful birds roost in the lush tree canopy. Among festive lights and holiday décor, visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities and live entertainment. Hot chocolate, hot apple cider and seasonal cocktails will be available to purchase, along with a holiday menu prepared by Atria’s Specialty Catering.
Activities are included with general admission.
“We are thrilled to be able to help our community connect with nature while we celebrate the season with festive events and programs,” said Molly Toth, communications and content specialist.
Visitor capacity to the Aviary is limited, with timed admission tickets available at aviary.org.
E-gift cards are now available in the Aviary gift shop, which is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except for Tuesdays. Admission is not required to visit the shop.