Of the Tropical Rainforest! - Witness the Transformation - National Aviary

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Of the Tropical Rainforest! - Witness the Transformation - National Aviary
WINTER/SPRING 2018
                 NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL AVIARY

                                                 Witness the Transformation
                                                 of the Tropical Rainforest!
                                                W
                                                              ith its iconic Victoria Crowned    species. During the renovations, most
                                                              Pigeons, beloved macaws, and       of our birds will be moved to an off-site
                                                              elevated walkway over a pond,      facility, and a few may be found in other
                                                 our Tropical Rainforest is one of the most      National Aviary habitats.
                                                 popular exhibits at the National Aviary.        The Tropical Rainforest will remain open
                                                 It’s also the oldest. The 60-year old           during the renovation so you can still visit
                                                 mechanical and electrical systems and           Canary’s Call. While the work is underway,
                                                 the original windows are inefficient and        you can also see historic photos that
                                                 contribute to heat loss and water leaks.        illustrate the National Aviary’s journey from
                                                 All that is about to change.                    one of the country’s first indoor gardens
                                                                 A $1.2 million renovation       with free-flying birds to the extensive
                                                                 of the Tropical Rainforest      avian research and conservation-focused
                                                                 will begin in March and         educational facility it has become.
The Tropical
Rainforest,                                                       will include replacement       The enhanced exhibit will be unveiled in July.
                                                                  of the glass, pane by          Come back often to watch the progress!
built in 1952,
                                                                  pane, with an insulated,
as it appeared                                                     bird-friendly variety;
                                                                                                 This important and needed transformation
decades ago                                                        installation of a waterfall
                                                                                                 of the Tropical Rainforest is possible through
(right).                                                                                         the generosity of the Colcom Foundation
                                                                    feature and pond; and
                                                                                                 and the Allegheny County Regional Asset
                                                                    the introduction of new
                                                                                                 District. We thank them for their support! •

National Aviary Marks 25 Year Anniversary
I
 t’s still a surprisingly common question:      plant the seeds of conservation                           establishment of best practices,
 “Are you the National Aviary? The only         in the minds of the next                                    both scientifically and medically.
 one?” Yes! Your nation’s aviary lives right    generation. You can interact                                 These efforts are far reaching
 here in Pittsburgh!                            with birds like never before!                                and enduring.
Since earning “national” status from the U.S.   The most important growth,                                    As we begin the next 25 years,
Congress in 1993, the National Aviary has       and the least seen by our                                    the National Aviary will continue
expanded in many ways. We’ve grown in           visitors, is the National                                   to grow in all ways necessary
size including the addition of the Helen M.     Aviary’s network of national                             to raise awareness of the threats
Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater and the rooftop      and international strategic partners               to birds and habitats, explore solutions
SkyDeck. Educational programs include           and activities that have made significant        to immediate and long-term concerns,
interactive exhibits and animal encounters      advances in species and habitat preservation     and secure the future of birds around
as well as community-based programs that        through field research, collaboration, and       the world. •
Of the Tropical Rainforest! - Witness the Transformation - National Aviary
From the Director
25 Years of Conservation and Education
               This year marks a momentous anniversary for the National Aviary and for the
               protection and conservation of wild birds. Our connection and commitment to birds
               and their habitats is embodied by strategic partnerships and conservation activities
                                                                                                               The National Aviary inspires
               around the world and by unparalleled exhibits and visitor experiences here at home.
                                                                                                                respect for nature through
               Twenty-five years ago the Pittsburgh Aviary became the National Aviary through a                  an appreciation of birds.
               declaration of the U.S. Congress, but it was more than a name change. The national
               status allowed us to spread our wings, creating novel ways to design exhibits, educational
               programs, and interactive experiences that excite and inspire while instilling respect for
               the interconnectedness of all natural things.                                                Stay Connected
               Today, as the only independent indoor nonprofit zoo dedicated to birds in the country,       www.aviary.org | 412-323-7235
we offer something that no one else can, and we continue to evolve. This year we will conduct an            Twitter: @National_Aviary
extensive renovation of the Tropical Rainforest, unveil an energized Amazon-themed theater show,            Facebook: Facebook.com/NationalAviary
and welcome precious new additions that you won’t want to miss.                                             Instagram: @National_Aviary
                                                                                                            Editor: Robin Weber
While we love raising awareness and delighting visitors with unforgettable experiences, it’s only
                                                                                                            Senior Director
a component of what we do at the National Aviary. As members and supporters you know the                    Marketing & Community Relations
magnitude of our research, field conservation, and breeding programs that have impacted the avian           Robin.Weber@aviary.org
world in lasting ways. From sharing expertise on Andean Condors with colleagues in Ecuador to
                                                                                                            Groups of 15 or more can register in
delivering critical medical supplies to care for African Penguins in Cape Town, our expert staff are        advance to receive admission discounts
committed to saving endangered species, conserving habitats, and collaborating on best practices            and special packages. Call 412-258-9463
with partners around the world.                                                                             for group options.

As we celebrate our silver anniversary we realize that we could not have reached it without our
compassionate members and donors whose generosity makes our work possible. We invite you                    BirdCalls is published for members
                                                                                                            and benefactors of the National Aviary.
to travel from winter to spring at the National Aviary, and experience the ever-changing ways we            Subscriptions are free with membership.
bring the wonder of wildlife to you.
Sincerely,

Cheryl L. Tracy
Executive Director

                      Prepare to be
                                         Amazed!
                                       T
                                              he National Aviary is excited to announce several
                                              new species and the debut of Amazing Amazon, a new
                                              multi-media free-flight show presented by AAA Travel in
                                           the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater that opens March 3!
                                            You’ll meet our new Toco Toucan, marvel at a Southern Three-
                                              banded Armadillo, make friends with Valentino the two-
                                               toed sloth, and be mesmerized by multicolored macaws, all
                                                the while learning how tropical species interact with their
                                                 environment and what sustainable choices you can make
                                                 to help protect the world’s rainforests. Your eyes will be
                                                  opened to the wild wonders of the Amazon! •

                      Book an armadillo encounter daily at 2:30 or feed an aracari daily at 12:00!

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Of the Tropical Rainforest! - Witness the Transformation - National Aviary
A New Way to
#NoticeBirds Every Month
O    ne hundred years ago the Migratory Bird Treaty
     Act was far ahead of its time, safeguarding
future generations of birds in North America.
Today, this powerful federal law continues to
protect over 1,000 species.                                  Valentino Turned Two…
                  To celebrate this seminal
                  legislation, the National Aviary
                                                             and People Noticed!
                  joins partners including National
                  Geographic, the National                   O    ur beloved sloth, Valentino,
                                                                  celebrated his 2nd birthday with
                                                             local and national fanfare. A People.com
                  Audubon Society, the Cornell
                  Lab of Ornithology, and BirdLife           web post garnered nearly 45 million page
International in marking 2018 as “Year of the Bird.”         views and was shared by IMDb (Internet
This multi-faceted campaign includes a new theme             Movie Database), generating another 30
each month through which we’ll encourage people              million. People also posted an Instagram
to explore the splendor and spectacle of birds,              video that received over 327,000 views
the threats they face, and ways we all can help.             and 19,750 likes! A photo of our famous
Join the conversation with #YearoftheBird and                sloth also appeared in Animal Tales
#BirdYourWorld. And, share with the National Aviary          magazine’s December issue. •
which birds you notice in 2018 using #NoticeBirds. •

Adventures in South Africa
by Dr. Pilar Fish, Director of Veterinary Medicine

T
     he National Aviary brings the world to
     western Pennsylvania every day of the year,
     and so it was exciting for me to take 27 people      “ AsNational
                                                                a veterinarian at the
                                                                       Aviary, I’m
from Pennsylvania and surrounding states out into            privileged to work with
the world to experience the extraordinary scenery            African birds living here
and wildlife of South Africa this past October.              who are ambassadors,           Meeting Critical Needs for
The two-week adventure led us up mountains,
down canyons, across savannahs, and of course,
                                                             including the spectacular
                                                             African Penguin, inspiring
                                                                                            Endangered African Penguins
onto Boulders Beach in Cape Town to see wild
penguins. As we marveled at the native wildlife,
                                                             people about wildlife
                                                             conservation.”                 A   frican Penguins are critically endangered
                                                                                                for many reasons including lack of nest
                                                                                            sites on the beaches. The National Aviary
I highlighted conservation efforts and successes the
National Aviary has personally supported. The bird life                                     participates in a program that designs artificial
in South Africa was spectacular; we saw over 65 species of birds including                  nest boxes for penguins to lay eggs and raise
Paradise Whydahs, the same long-tailed bird that inhabits our Grasslands                    young. I was thrilled to see these actual nest
exhibit. At Kruger National Park the group went on a safari, getting a close look           boxes on the beach with wild penguins in them.
at elephants, giraffes, lions, and even a leopard!                                          Rescue centers, such as SANCCOB in
                                                                                            Cape Town, treat over 1,500 injured, ill,
Join the National Aviary in Costa Rica in 2018!                                             and orphaned penguins each year. We met
In partnership with AAA Travel, the National Aviary will be hosting a tour to               with their veterinary staff and delivered the
Costa Rica in fall 2018. To learn more call Audrey Beichner at 412-258-9463 or              National Aviary’s donation of critical medical
email audrey.beichner@aviary.org. •                                                         supplies. Items were put to use immediately
                                                                                            — from stethoscopes and wound care supplies
                                                                                            to surgical instruments and medicines — as
                                                                                            we watched the staff feeding hatchling
                                                                                            penguins in the nursery, caring for older
                                                                                            chicks in the group pool, and treating injured
                                                                                            penguins in the hospital. It was inspiring to
                                                                                            see the many years of the National Aviary’s
                                                                                            financial and volunteer support directly
                                                                                            impacting conservation efforts and helping
                                                                                            save endangered African Penguins. •

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Of the Tropical Rainforest! - Witness the Transformation - National Aviary
National Aviary Winter/Spring Events
January 27 - 28                                    March 7                                                April 1
Masters of the Sky                              Costa Rica Trip                                           Easter Brunch featuring Atria’s
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.                                Travel Planning Session                                   Two Seatings: 10:30 a.m. | 12:30 p.m.
Included with admission                         6 – 8 p.m.                                                Celebrate the holiday with a delectable brunch
Meet the National Aviary’s birds of prey!       Want to have an adventure in Costa Rica?                  prepared by Chef Josef Karst of Atria’s catering!
Enjoy exciting bird appearances and cool        Join us to learn about our upcoming trip through          Dine in our heated Rose Garden tent and enjoy
activities for the whole family.                AAA Travel! Arrive early and tour our exhibits, then      visits from some of the National Aviary’s most
                                                meet with National Aviary veterinarian Dr. Pilar Fish     popular and colorful birds.
January 31 & February 3                         who will travel with you from October 13-23, 2018 in
                                                Costa Rica. Enjoy refreshments and an appearance
                                                                                                          Member Adult: $32, Member Child 4-10: $17
                                                                                                          Adult: $37, Child 4-10: $19.50
Things are Looking Up!                          by a bird native to our destination! RSVP by              Children 3 and Under: Free
Winter Raptor Survey Day Tour                   contacting Audrey Beichner at 412-258-9463                Includes admission
                                                or audrey.beichner@aviary.org.                            Call 412-258-9445 to register. Space is limited;
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Details on opposite page                                                                                  reservations required. Tickets are transferable
                                                                                                          but not refundable.
Registration required.
$85 members/$95 nonmembers.
(price includes lunch and raptor field guide)       March 11                                              April 8
                                                    Penguin Painting                                      Penguin Painting
February 11                                         3 p.m.                                                3 p.m.
                                                    Details on opposite page
Penguin Painting                                    Registration required.
                                                                                                          Details on opposite page
3 p.m.                                                                                                    Registration required.
                                                    $40 per person                                        $40 per person
Details on opposite page                            (does not include general admission)                  (does not include general admission)
Registration required.
$40 per person
(does not include general admission)                March 17                                              April 21
                                                    Grebes, Loons, Geese…Oh My!                           Bird-Friendly Backyards
                                                    Waterfowl Migration Day Tour                          10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
February 23      21+ Event                          8 a.m. - 4 p.m.                                       Come learn about ways you can make your
                                                    Details on opposite page                              yard more attractive for birds and also
Welcome to the Jungle                               Registration required.                                healthier for your family and pets with
6 – 10 p.m.                                         $85 members/$95 nonmembers.                           ornithologist Bob Mulvihill.
Take a break from the winter weather                (price includes lunch)                                Call 412-258-9445 to register.
and enjoy a rainforest-inspired evening                                                                   $25 members/$30 nonmembers.
at the National Aviary’s 21+ fundraiser!                                                                  (does not include general admission)
Enjoy drinks, light bites, music, dancing           March 24
and jungle-themed activities, all while
supporting our work in conservation
                                                    Psyanky Eggs                                          April 28 - 29
                                                    1 – 3 p.m.
and education.
                                                    Learn psanky, the traditional Ukrainian art of
                                                                                                          Rainforest Adventure
$25 early bird pricing available now!
$30 per person in advance via aviary.org            creating beautiful Easter eggs, then take your egg    11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
and Showclix. $35 at the door.                      and decorating kit home so you can make more!         Included with admission
                                                    Call 412-258-9445 to register.                        Celebrate the rainforest and learn about its
                                                    $20 members/$25 nonmembers.                           intricate ecosystem! Meet beautiful rainforest
                                                    (does not include general admission)                  birds and other creatures including a two-
February 24 - 25                                                                                          toed sloth. Enjoy fun crafts, activities and
FlamingoFest                                        March 24                                              story time with a live bird appearance.
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Included with admission
                                                    Member Morning                                        May 5
                                                    with the Easter Bunny
Flock to the National Aviary for FlamingoFest!
There will be flamingo-themed activities for all    9 – 10 a.m.
                                                                                                          Bird Migration Hotspot!
ages: stories, crafts, and even flamingo “yoga!”    Members, bring your cameras and hippity hop in        Presque Isle Day Tour
Put on your pink and join us!                       to take pictures with the Easter Bunny, enjoy light   7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
                                                    pastries, make a craft, and explore the exhibits      Details on opposite page
                                                    before we open to the public.
March 3                                                                                                   Registration required.
                                                                                                          $85 members/$95 nonmembers.
Amazing Amazon debut                                March 24 – 25 & March 30 – April 1                    (price includes lunch)
11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Daily
Except Tuesdays when                                Eggstravaganza!                                       May 12 & 19
our birds are resting.                              11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Helen M. Schmidt                                         Included with admission                          Penguin Celebration!
FliteZone™                                                       Hop in for the most egg-cellent          11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Theater                                                          spring celebration in Pittsburgh!        Included with admission
Presented by                                                     There will be so much to see and         Visit the National Aviary to show
                                                                 do — a parade with the Easter            your support for African Penguins,
                                                                 Bunny, a bird-themed outdoor egg         which are endangered in the wild.
                                                                 hunt, story time with a live bird        See a penguin up close, make penguin-
                                                                 appearance, and more!                    themed crafts, and find out how you can
                                                                                                          help save penguins and other seabirds.

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Of the Tropical Rainforest! - Witness the Transformation - National Aviary
Penguin Painting                                                                                    Daily Schedule
                                                                                                        February 1 - May 25
    Feb. 11 | Mar. 11 | Apr. 8 | May 13
    The National Aviary’s talented African Penguins paint                                               10:30 a.m. Wetlands Feeding
    with their feet! Guests choose colors for their 11 x 14”                                           			Wetlands
    painting and watch the artist at work.
    Call 412-258-9445 to register.
                                                                                                         11:00 a.m. Amazing Amazon
May 12                                               May 13                                              Begins March 3		Presented by
                                                                                                        No Show Tuesdays		 Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater
Hummingbirds and Butterflies                         Mother’s Day Brunch
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.                                    featuring Atria’s
Celebrate Migratory Bird Day by joining
ornithologist Bob Mulvihill to learn all
                                                     Two Seatings:
                                                     10:30 a.m. | 12:30 p.m.
                                                                                                         11:30 a.m. - Lorikeet Feeding
about hummingbirds and butterflies,
including how to attract different varieties         Celebrate mom with a brunch                        12:00 p.m.		Canary’s Call Presented by
to your backyard.                                    prepared by Chef Josef Karst
Call 412-258-9445 to register.                       of Atria’s catering. Dine in our
$25 members/$30 nonmembers.                          heated Rose Garden tent and                        12:00 p.m. Aracari Feeding
(does not include general admission)                 enjoy visits from some of the
                                                     National Aviary’s famous                          			Igloo/Encounter Tent
                                                     mother birds.
May 13
Penguin Painting
                                                     Member Adult: $32
                                                                                                        12:30 p.m.		 Baby Sloth Talk
3 p.m.
                                                     Member Child 4-10: $17
                                                     Adult: $37, Child 4-10: $19.50
                                                     Children 3 and Under: Free
                                                                                                       			Penguin Point
Details above                                        Includes admission
Registration required.                               Call 412-258-9445 to register.                       1:00 p.m.		 Penguin Feeding
$40 per person
(does not include general admission)
                                                     Space is limited; reservations required.
                                                     Tickets are transferable but not refundable.      			Penguin Point
                                                                                                          1:30 p.m. Amazing Amazon
  This Summer...                                               IMPORTANT:
                                                                                                         Begins March 3		Presented by
                                                                                                        No Show Tuesdays		 Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater
  SkyDeck reopens in May and so does the                       CLOSURES AND CHANGES
  popular Butterfly Garden where you can                       The National Aviary will be closed
                                                               January 29, March 20 and April 10.
  hand-feed native species! And don’t miss the                                                          1:30 p.m. - Wetlands Feeding
                                                               We will open at noon on May 6 due
  unveiling of the new Tropical Rainforest                     to the Pittsburgh Marathon.             			Wetlands
  in July!
                                                                                                         2:00 p.m. - Lorikeet Feeding
                                                                                                         2:30 p.m.		Canary’s Call Presented by
  Outdoor Adventures for Everyone!                                                                        2:45 p.m.
  Y  ou don’t need to be an expert to enjoy nature. All ages and experience levels are
     welcome on our popular bus tours led by ornithologist, Bob Mulvihill. Join us as
  we spot winter raptors, follow waterfowl, and witness spring migrations. All aboard!
                                                                                                        Thru Feb. 28		Tropical Forest Feeding
                                                                                                       			Tropical Forest
  Jan. 31 & Feb. 3                   March 17                          May 5                             Begins March 1		Condor Talk
  Things are Looking Up!
  Winter Raptor Survey
                                     Grebes, Loons, Geese…
                                     Oh My!
                                                                       Bird Migration Hotspot!
                                                                       Presque Isle
                                                                                                       			Condor Court
  Day Tour                           Waterfowl Migration               Day Tour
  Join Bob on a brand new            Day Tour                          Bob will lead you through
  winter adventure: the Hawk         See hundreds of waterfowl         one of the most important           3:15 p.m.		 Bat Feeding
  Migration Association’s annual
  raptor census! You’ll see up to
                                     including ducks, grebes,          migration hotspots in
                                                                       Pennsylvania. Birds rest and
                                                                                                       			Canary’s Call Presented by
                                     loons, geese and swans at
  ten different raptors including    resting and feeding sites.        refuel on Presque Isle before
  winter-only species like the       You may see Bald Eagles           continuing over the Great         4:00 p.m.		 Penguin Feeding
  Rough-legged Hawk and
  Northern Shrike. We’ll also
                                     and Sandhill Cranes too!
                                     Stops include Lake Arthur,
                                                                       Lakes to nesting grounds
                                                                       as far as northern Canada
                                                                                                       			Penguin Point
  visit Goddard State Park to        Conneaut Marsh, and more.         and Alaska.
  see a Bald Eagle nest!
                                                                                                         4:00 p.m. - Lorikeet Feeding
  Registration required: Audrey.Beichner@aviary.org or 412-258-9463.                                     4:30 p.m.		Canary’s Call Presented by
  Hurry and reserve your spot; these trips sell out quickly!
  More details at aviary.org.
                                                                                                                           = requires additional ticket/fee

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Of the Tropical Rainforest! - Witness the Transformation - National Aviary
It’s a Girl!
       J
          oin us in welcoming the National Aviary’s newest                           Since sloths are solitary animals, Valentino
          addition — a baby female two-toed sloth! She was                           and our new female will not live together but
          born on August 21, 2017, and arrived at the National                       may be paired together for breeding when
       Aviary in December, greeting her first visitors on                            she reaches maturity in four or five years.
       January 9.
                                                                                     By March, you’ll be able to stop by
       Although she and Valentino came from the same                                 the Avian Care Center window to
       Floridian breeder, it already seems that our new female                       get a closer look as she explores
       has her own personality! She is quite independent and                         her new world. Until then see
       has taken to exploring her new home and investigating                         her daily at 12:30 during Baby
       scents and sounds including the variety of bird vocals                        Sloth Talk! •
       that she will experience in her habitat.

                                                                               Wings & Wildlife
                                                                                 Reaches New Heights
                     Dr. Pilar Fish, Sally Wiggin, and National
                     Aviary Executive Director, Cheryl Tracy
                                                                                        T   his year’s Wings & Wildlife Opening Soirée
                                                                                            and Benefit Auction broke all the records!
                                                                                        Highest attendance, largest number and
                                                                                                                                                                      Thanks to
                                                                                                                                                                All of Our Sponsors!
                                                                                        variety of artists, and highest dollar amount                                           GOLD
                                                                                        raised…ever!
                                                                                        Guests enjoyed cocktails and canapés as
                                                                                        they perused an array of distinctive art pieces
                                                                                        and bonded with other wildlife lovers. From
                                                                                                                                                                                SILVER
                                                                                        paintings and photography to textiles, jewelry,
                                                                                                                                                                Boyd Roll-Off Services, Inc.
                                         Rob Dauer, Maris Bondi, Patti                  and stained glass, there was something for
                                                                                                                                                                 Meyer, Unkovic & Scott
                                         Dodge and Howard Schulberg                     every taste. The event took wing when African
                                                                                                                                                                    WTW Architects
                                                                                        Penguins paraded through the party and a
                                                                                        Hooded Vulture swooped over the crowd.                                         MEDIA SPONSORS
                                                                                                                                                                          iHeartMedia
                                                                                        We extend our sincere gratitude to the
                                                                                                                                                                     LAMAR Advertising
                                                                                        generous supporters, sponsors, and talented
                                                                                                                                                                     Pittsburgh Magazine
                                                                                        artists that made the weekend a success. Plans
                                                                                                                                                                      WHIRL Magazine
                                                                                        are already underway for Wings & Wildlife
                                                                                        2018. If you or your company would like to get                              RETAIL ART MATERIAL
                                             Featured artist Maria                      involved contact Ted Bartlett at 412-258-9433                                 Blick Art Materials
                                             DeSimone Prascak with                      or ted.bartlett@aviary.org. •
                                             husband Johno Prascak.

DONOR SOCIETY                            Thank you to the following individual supporters who made donations of $500+ in the past 12 months. Your generosity
                                         helps fund the care of our animals. To be a part of our Donor Society, contact Ted.Bartlett@aviary.org or 412-258-9433.
MARTIAL EAGLE                     SNOWY OWL                                    Thomas and Christine Kobus      Michael P. and Lisa Hart                   Lauren Schneider and Dean Thompson
 $2,500+                          $1,000-$2,499                                Sandy and Robert Lumish         Dr. Susan Hoppe and Dr. Michael Goodhart   Henry Shaw Beukema, III
Carol Adams                       Sheila Bair and Mike Kosh                    Perry and Megan Myers           John and Christine Horty                   Elizabeth Shimshock
Anonymous (2)                     Harold and Ingrid Balk                       Nagy Nagiub                     Steven and Helen Kashmer                   Kate St. John
Jennifer and Keith Bertetto       Josh and Jacklyn Banyas                      Heidi Nitze                     Patrick and Helen Kinlan                   Caroline and Matt Stromberg
Gloria and Donald Casey           Maris A. Bondi                               Curtis Scaife                   Jeff Klamut                                Dr. Jason and Liz Thomas
Marc-Andre and Veronique Fleury   Richard Caruso                               James and Luanne Shock          Nathan and Heather Lazur                   Dr. Kathryn Van Stone and Mr. Robert Smith
Patrick and Alice Loughney        Andrea DiMartini                                                             James E. and Cathy Lehman                  Sally Wiggin
                                                                               SCARLET MACAW
Brian and Sandra Moroney          Patricia Dodge                                                               Maureen and Tom Madden                     Thomas and Barbara Wiley
                                                                               $500-$999
Alicia and Colin Powell           Susan and Christopher Farrell                                                Gregory and Mary Marchetti
                                                                               Anonymous
James and Susan Ralston           Michael J. and Eileen Flinn                                                  Michael and Libby Mascaro                  The National Aviary values each of our donors
                                                                               Lee Cambria and Kathy Haefner                                              and has made every attempt to accurately
Estate of Renee Serokis           Dr. Douglas Corkum, Betty Flora and Family                                   Blaine and Virginia McKinley
                                                                               Donna and Robert DiMilia                                                   recognize every one. If you see an error or
Elizabeth Spence                  Laurie Graham                                                                Madeline Miles
                                                                               Jane and Michael Dixon                                                     omission, please accept our apologies and
S. Adam and Lauren Sufrin         Jonathan Hartman                                                             Shirley and Ward Olander                   contact Ted.Bartlett@aviary.org
                                                                               Eileen Katherine Flinn
Kathleen and Louis Testoni        Sy Holzer                                                                    Gregg Ramshaw                              or 412-258-9433.
                                                                               William and Natalie Freyvogel
                                  Jonas and Janis Johnson                                                      Rebecca Rupp                               List as of 12-10-17
                                                                               Timothy and Joan Goetz

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Of the Tropical Rainforest! - Witness the Transformation - National Aviary
Andean Condors in the Skies of Ecuador
W
           hen National Aviary Director of         Andean Condors in zoological settings,
           Animal Collections, Kurt Hundgen,       including breeding and Species Survival
           stood high in the mountains of the      Plan® management protocols in North
Antisana Ecological Reserve and watched an         America. The Andean Condor is critically
Andean Condor soaring above him he was             endangered in Ecuador with only about
overwhelmed. While he has worked to save           100 remaining. This visit was an important
the species for many years, it was the first       step in our international partnership to           Antisana. He spotted six wild juveniles
time he saw it in the wild. “The majestic ease     protect High Andes habitats and save the           during the trip, one of them roosting on a rock
of the condors riding the thermals in that         Andean Condor from extinction there.               ledge with an adult. “It’s very encouraging to
vast expanse of sky was something I’ll never                                                          see that they’re breeding in the wild,” he says.
forget,” says Kurt. “It was impressive.”           The National Aviary’s multi-faceted species
                                                   preservation effort in Ecuador includes a field    Kurt also visited the National Aviary’s partner
In October, Kurt was invited to speak at the       research program in the Andes Mountains,           institution, the Bioparque Amaru zoo in
National Andean Condor Working Group               funding one of the world’s largest Andean          Cuenca, to consult on operations and the
(NACWG) in Ecuador. Kurt discussed care of         Condor exhibits and breeding programs,             progress of joint breeding programs that will
                                                   a veterinary clinic modeled after our own,         ultimately release chicks into the wild.
                                                   collaborations to share best practices, and
                                                   ongoing support for education in Ecuador and       The significant work that the National Aviary
                                                       among our visitors.                            is conducting to save the Andean Condor in
                                                                                                      Ecuador is a strong component of our global
                                                          During his trip, Kurt visited six           impact. With field activities in the Dominican
                                                              zoological facilities managing          Republic, Guam, South Africa and many other
                                                                        condors for breeding          regions, we continue to advance worldwide
                                                                            and several condor        efforts to protect and preserve avian species
                                                                               reserves, including    and habitats. •

Hatchings & Acquisitions                                                                                 Red Morph
                                                                                                     Eastern Screech
                                                                                                                Owl

HATCHINGS: We witnessed two tiny miracles when            ACQUISITIONS: The male Demoiselle Crane
our pair of Red-legged Honeycreepers reared and           that came to us last summer now has a mate!
fledged their first chicks ever at the National Aviary!   These migratory birds are indigenous to
It is extremely rare for this diminutive species to       Eurasia and are the smallest crane species.
breed in zoological settings.                             Two Eastern Screech Owls – one gray morph
The National Aviary continues to be the leader in         and one red morph – joined
the reintroduction of Guam Rails to the wild. Our         the ranks of our animal
pair raised another two clutches since the fall for a     ambassadors. •
total of nine juveniles; seven will be sent to Guam
this January.
The flamingos we hatched last
summer are now wading in the
Wetlands. They will be turning
one this summer and have
already begun transforming
from their fluffy gray and white
feathers to the fiery pink they
are known for. Don’t miss it!                                      Guam Rails
                                                   Red-legged                            Juvenile
                                                 Honeycreepers                           American Flamingo
                                                                                                             Demoiselle
                                                                                                                Crane

                                                                                                     W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 | Page 7
Of the Tropical Rainforest! - Witness the Transformation - National Aviary
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In This Issue:
1    Tropical Rainforest Transformation
     National Aviary Marks 25 Year Anniversary
2 Prepare to be Amazed!
3 A New Way to #NoticeBirds Every Month
     Valentino Turned Two…
     Adventures in South Africa + a New Costa Rica Trip
4-5	Event Calendar ~ Outdoor Adventures for Everyone
6 It’s a Girl!
     Wings & Wildlife Reaches New Heights
7 Andean Condors in the Skies of Ecuador
     Hatchings & Acquisitions

                                                    Winter/Spring Bus Tours
                                                            introducing a new tour: Winter Raptor Survey
                                                                           with ornithologist Bob Mulvihill ~ see page 5 for details

    Your Event Will Take Off                                                                              Businesses Can
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    wedding or other special occasion at the
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    named the National Aviary as a “Best of         other bird of prey!
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Of the Tropical Rainforest! - Witness the Transformation - National Aviary Of the Tropical Rainforest! - Witness the Transformation - National Aviary
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