From their dynamic flight patterns and exhilarating speeds to their incredible grip strength, Raptors of all shapes and sizes are quite Remarkable. As of Memorial Day Weekend, guests can now witness these formidable heroes in all their glory ONLY at the National Aviary!
During the summer-only theme, Remarkable Raptors Presented by S&T Bank, meet the newest “super” girl, hailing from the fellow Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited Miami Zoo, a female juvenile Harpy Eagle – the ONLY ONE in the Northeast. Affectionately named Dariéna (Dare EE awn ă) by Aviary friends and supporters Brian and Sandra Moroney through the National Aviary’s Name-A-Bird program, this new kid in ‘tahn has officially taken up residence in The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall. With her unmistakably long talons, fierce gaze, and egg-shell colored plumage (that will slowly turn shades of Harpy gray over the next three years), this one-year-old awe-inspiring raptor will be highlighted in educational talks offered daily. Visitors will learn fun facts about her and other eagle species found around the world, touch cool biofacts, and dive into the Aviary’s international raptor-related conservation efforts.
The National Aviary is incredibly grateful to Brian and Sandra Moroney for their gracious donation and contribution to Dariéna’s new moniker.
“Her name is one that is truly close to our heart,” says the Moroney’s. “She is named in memory of Sergio Seipke, a former Hawk Mountain trainee. In the early 2000’s, he led us on an unforgettable birding trip throughout the Darién Province of Panama, and after combining those two words, we knew we had the perfect name for this beautiful eagle.”
Dariéna’s arrival is just the beginning of the raptorial experiences’ guests can enjoy this summer at the National Aviary.
NEW Seasonal Daily Activities, Add-on Opportunities, Summer-Only Encounters, & Interactive Place Spaces:
Included with General Admission: Royal Raptors: Expert Talk | 11:30 am & 3:30 pm | Condor Court
Visit iconic Bald Eagles during the Royal Raptors: Expert Talk and learn the differences between them and other birds of prey like Andean Condors from an Aviary expert! While there discover other Condor Court residents including a dynamic pair of Laughing Kookaburras whose hunting prowess rivals that of the fiercest raptors.
Fierce in Flight | 11 am & 3 pm | Daily in the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZoneTM Theater
This Summer ONLY: Prepare for the National Aviary’s most captivating fully free-flighted indoor raptor show to date, in the comfort of the cool Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater! The NEW immersive, Fierce in Flight features a long line-up of majestic species whose feathers you may feel as they swoop down overhead. With Black Kites (who you won't see in any other North American Zoo), Hooded Vultures, crows with a knack for caching, and a Lanner Falcon, attendees will discover the wild and wonderful world of birds of prey, learn all about their unparalleled adaptations from an Aviary expert, and may even get the chance to participate in the show!
Falcon + Flighted Friend Encounter | 2 pm | Daily in the Helen Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater
LIMITED-TIME ONLY: For the first time ever get DOUBLE the flighted fun during a Falcon + Flighted Friend Encounter in the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater. Snap a photo with a fierce Lanner Falcon as it flies to your gloved hand with the assistance of an Aviary expert PLUS, enjoy a visit from a second flighted Animal Ambassador such as another bird of prey or a Curl-crested Aracari!
Flamingo Feeding Encounter | 10:30 am | Friday – Sunday
Get a chance to take a seat on the National Aviary’s Wetlands beach as these vibrantly pink-hued birds wade closer for a tasty meal: right out of your hands! Offered weekends only this summer; guests can enjoy the only Flamingo Feeding Encounter offered in an AZA-accredited institution in Western PA.
All Animal Encounters include General Admission and can be booked in advance at aviary.org. 
Included with General Admission: Gripping photo opportunities and Interactive Play Spaces for Kids: Kiddos can see how they measure up to powerful raptor species with a selection of majestic bird of prey displays, including a Martial Eagle and a Lanner Falcon; explore a “toolbox” perfectly equipped to assemble their own custom raptor; grab a kid-sized falconer’s glove and practice handling plush raptors at the Junior Falconer station; hunt and forage, just as a raptor would, at the Remarkable Raptors Sensory Table; and dive into the amazing flights, hunts, and species of raptors, in the Remarkable Raptors Book Nook!
Although many raptors and other birds of prey are at risk in the wild due to ongoing challenges caused by human activity, there are individual actions everyone can take that help make a difference.
“Reducing use of harmful chemicals such as pesticides can truly go a long way to help us protect raptors and other birds of prey,” says Cathy Schlott, Director of Animal Programs and Experiences. “Plus, just by making a visit to the National Aviary this summer, guests are directly supporting our efforts to conserve these species and their natural habitats. Raptors help maintain the ecological balance of their environment by controlling the populations of rodents and other small animals. They also serve as an indicator species, educating us on the health of ecosystems. So, it is incredibly important that we shine on a light on them and that is what our new seasonal theme is all about!”
For a full line-up of Daily Activities and to stay up to date on upcoming events and the National Aviary’s ongoing conservation efforts, visit aviary.org.
The National Aviary’s summer season, Remarkable Raptors Presented by S&T Bank, begins Saturday, May 23.
The National Aviary is open Daily 10 am – 5 pm.
