Bethel Park woman named National Aviary's Volunteer of the Year

A Bethel Park resident has been named the National Aviary’s top volunteer in 2019.

Elaine Steffenauer said being voted as the aviary’s Volunteer of the Year is “truly an honor.”

She said she began volunteering at the aviary on Saturdays there nine years ago before she retired from a career in daycare and in preschool education, when her daughter worked there as an intern. Her daughter now works on staff.

“We both love what we do,” she said of her daughter.

Steffenauer was hesitant at first.

“I didn’t think I had time to volunteer, but it’s worth finding the time,” she said. Steffenauer is now retired and able to volunteer up to three days a week.

When she started, she began as a docent, meaning she made herself available to guests to answer their questions and monitoring the birds.

Steffenauer now serves as an education volunteer, which includes teaching students about birds during school outreaches. She also interacts with and cares for the birds. Finally, she also assists with African Penguin feeding sessions and leads Penguin Encounters, educational small-group experiences where participants meet an endangered African Penguin up close.

“I have really enjoyed the opportunity to keep learning as a volunteer. I enjoy talking with our guests, helping them to learn about the birds and sharing what goes on behind the scenes with conservation, education and training,” she said.

The National Aviary announced Steffenauer’s honor in a press release, which said she is being recognized for her commitment and strong leadership, “which have been invaluable to the National Aviary’s operations during the covid-19 pandemic.”

The aviary said Steffenauer — who is one of nearly 100 volunteers — was among the first volunteers to return to help out after being closed down for more than three months. The aviary is not currently accepting applications for new volunteers.

Molly Toth, an aviary spokeswoman, said the zoo on Arch Street in Pittsburgh reopened to members June 28 and to the public July 1.

The aviary was not immune to cuts during the pandemic. Toth said the financial impact has been significant.

“The National Aviary lost 60% of its funding and program demand, and about 25% of staff were impacted by layoffs,” Toth wrote in an email. The zoo held emergency fundraising campaigns and new virtual programs to help minimize the blow to its staff.

All this was done, Toth said, while also providing care for the more than 550 birds and animals there.

“Our dedicated aviculturists and veterinary staff maintained that high standard of care the animals consistently receive, including healthy meals, habitat maintenance and veterinary care, without interruption during our closure,” she said.