The National Aviary: The Nation's Premier Bird Zoo

The country's largest aviary, it is also the only one to be awarded "national" status by the U.S. Congress in 1993.  A member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Aviary is home to over 600 animals that represent more than 200 species.  Its original building dates back to 1952 and it went through a major expansion in 1967. It was privatized in 1991 and renovated in 1997 and 2008.

The aviary houses several walk through exhibits where visitors can feed and meet the different birds. Their exhibits include Canary’s Call, a traditional museum style exhibit that illuminates human impact on birds and bird habitats by examining population, pollution, habit loss, invasive species, and over consumption; Canary’s Call also includes Malayan Flying Foxes, a canary cage, and several interactive kiosks where visitors can engage and learn.  

Other exhibits include Cloud Forest, home to the aviary’s sloth; Condor Court, an outside interactive environment; Eagle Hill, located in the main hall and home to the American Bald Eagle; the Grasslands, a recreated natural habitat for birds and plants native to this climate, such as finches, doves, birch, and dogwood; Penguin Point, home to 17 African Penguins whom visitors can see through an “acrylic fronted pool” (“Birds and Exhibits”); the Tropical Rainforest; and the Wetlands, home to flamingos and pelicans.  The Tropical Rainforest, the Wetlands, and the Grasslands are “free flight exhibits” where birds are free to roam and visitors get a live, interactive experience.  In addition to the various exhibits, the aviary has several educational programs, classes, camps, and offers field trip opportunities.