At Home With: The National Aviary (continued)
By Janice Millner
By illustrating through high audio and visual passages, Raven shows birds in their natural habitats while at the same time, citing important environmental topics such as ecology, endangered species and conservation. Not to be outdone, the Aviary's education and conservation acclaim is also advocated by one curious little African Penguin named Patrick. As an invited guest on Discovery's Animal Planet Television Program, TV's PetStar, Patrick, accompanied by Lead Bird Trainer Erin Estell, wowed audiences with the debut of his artistic painting talent!
So, what's next for the Aviary? Baker announced June 4th, 2004, that the National Aviary had planned an expansion project that would include a truly unique 250-seat indoor bird theater, known as "Flite Zone," and an immersion classroom. Public Relations Director, Tiffany Sander notes, "The expansion will allow visitors to be immersed into the habitats of birds from all the world, offering daily bird shows in a spectacular theater environment. As part of the expansion, the National Aviary has contracted with Steve Martin (not the comic actor), one of the world's foremost bird trainers, whose credits include bird shows at Disney World, The San Diego Zoo and Jurong Bird Park in Singapore. Martin's show will provide an eclectic array of performing birds in flight, swimming and strutting that will dazzle spectators, all the while educating them about the life and biology of birds." Martin introduced a stunning sampling of performances this past summer and additional performances have already been scheduled for this season. The aim of the show keeps with the Aviary's original mission; it hopes to achieve a greater awareness, in addition to promoting the Aviary's existing status as a world-renowned facility, for education and conservation.
With such an aim in site, it's no wonder that Baker and his colleagues exude such contagious enthusiasm. There truly is no telling where the Aviary will ultimately roost as a "formidably-flighty" Pittsburgh attraction…It seems to be, quite literally, the sky's the limit!
The National Aviary is a public resource and welcomes meetings or receptions to be held in one of its classrooms or tents, or its atrium, patio, or rose garden. Catering for events may include everything from wait-staff to linens. The gardens may also lend themselves to photo opportunities if the occasion so warrants.
For rental costs and details, call The National Aviary at 412-323-7235 extension 249 or visit www.aviary.org
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