NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL AVIARY FALL 2019 FALL National Aviary Celebrates Hatching of Endangered Grey Crowned-crane new arrival to the National Aviary, an While it is covered in buff, downy feathers now, by endangered Grey Crowned-crane chick, was 18 months the chick’s brown and tan feathers will be A about the size of a large pear when it hatched replaced with beautiful adult plumage. The striking on July 27. The chick is growing and thriving, and markings of the Grey Crowned-crane, in particular it won’t stay little for long. In just three months, it its distinctive crown of yellow feathers, make it one will reach its full adult size of over 3 feet tall, with of the most recognizable crane species in the world. a wingspan of 6.5 feet! The chick delights visitors Grey Crowned-cranes face declining numbers during daily walks in the historic Rose Garden, due to the loss of critical wetlands habitat in where it exercises and practices for its role as an Africa. Since 1985, wild populations dropped from educational ambassador for its species. over 100,000 mature birds to just 22,000 today. This daily exercise is vital for the chick’s growth Through interactions with our Grey Crowned- and development. Grey Crowned-cranes are crane chick, visitors will learn about steps they precocial birds, ready to begin exploring their can take to protect wetlands, like limiting the world within hours of hatching, and their long use of harsh chemicals that can be returned legs require some serious stretching from an early to the environment. age. As our chick grows, visitors might catch it Visit the National Aviary this fall to watch our displaying “stamping” behaviors: striking the crane as it struts and stretches during daily ground with its feet to stir up insects as it walks. walks in the Rose Garden! • n addition to our efforts to program with our partner institution, Collaboration is Key Isuccessfully breed Andean Condors Bioparque Amaru, is building capacity here in Pittsburgh, the National in Ecuador and at the National Aviary is undertaking significant work Aviary. Our partnership relies on a for Saving High to build capacity among conservation wrap-around approach to addressing leaders on the ground in the Andean needs for animal care and breeding, Andes Habitats Condor’s native habitat, another field research and conservation, and step toward fulfilling our mission to program development to sustain save species and protect habitats. operations. When National Aviary Our work in the high Andes has been staff visit Ecuador, it’s an opportunity extensive, encompassing research, to observe high Andes species in their breeding, husbandry, veterinary care, natural habitats and bring back insights and education. that can improve breeding programs. Now, new research employing long- One of the world’s most biologically term data sets is providing a roadmap diverse hotspots, Ecuador also for conservation priorities in the high hosts the highest concentration Andes. And, a new staff exchange Continued, page 3 Revamped Educational Programs From the Director Attract New Student Groups A Holistic Approach to Saving Species he next generation of avian scientists veterinarians, and field researchers, give are stationed in the Tropical Rainforest, students a glimpse into the worlds of field At the National Aviary, we take a holistic approach to caring for our birds. From the Tpencils and notebooks at the ready, research and animal care. Students use specially formulated diets made on-site every day, to the exceptional veterinary care each with their eyes trained on a particular the tools scientists employ to record animal provided by our staff and growing team of interns, we consider the unique needs The National Aviary inspires bird — a Victoria Crowned Pigeon, a behavior and gain experience in research of each bird. We respect their preferences, and honor their personalities. Dozens of respect for nature through Hyacinth Macaw, a Marbled Teal. Just methods through in-class activities and people’s individual actions add up each day to ensure the best possible outcome for an appreciation of birds. like National Aviary staff do, this group observation in the National Aviary. every bird in our care. of teenagers in the Science and Animal For Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, We use that same framework to address the problems that species are facing around Behavior program is conducting ethograms, offerings like Outdoor Art, the globe. In our work with the Andean Condor, for example, a holistic approach that cataloging the behaviors they observe in Conservation Careers, and Habitats integrates this species’ many needs — breeding, habitat conservation, field research, Stay Connected their target species. The National Aviary’s encourage exploration of the natural specialized veterinary care, and a collaborative partnership with a zoo in their native free-flying habitats are perfect for seeing www.aviary.org | 412-323-7235 world within and outside of the National habitat — holds promise for long-lasting impact. behaviors like flight, grooming, and social Twitter: @National_Aviary Aviary. Owl Prowls led by National interactions among birds. The peaks of the Andes, or the islands of the South Pacific may seem distant from our vantage point Facebook: Facebook.com/NationalAviary Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill Instagram: @National_Aviary in Pittsburgh, and that can make our actions at home feel small. Yet, in our interconnected world, our For young scientists and conservationists, can accommodate up to 30 Scouts actions do matter. Travel can help us get a better view of the big picture. Join us for a trip to New York Editor: Robin Weber the National Aviary’s curricula provide on a trek into the woods at night to City next spring and watch thousands of tiny warblers fill the trees of Central Park on their migration Senior Director, unforgettable interactions with look and listen for owls. Marketing & Community Relations journey. Or travel with us to Costa Rica, and see how our partner, Rescate Zoo Ave, uses a holistic ambassador animals and opportunities [email protected] approach to conservation. to spark curiosity. Programs like Birds Since rolling out updated programs in late Groups of 15 or more can register in 2018, requests for conservation-driven To book a program for your school, science As you look ahead to fall and the holiday season, I invite you to visit the National Aviary. In fall, and Conservation, Veterinary Experience, advance to receive admission discounts education curricula for older students club, or scouting group, call Kate Campbell you can watch our new Grey Crowned-crane chick grow, and grow in your knowledge of all things and Science and Animal Behavior, where and special packages. Call 412-258-9463 at 412-258-9439. birds with exciting classes from our ornithologist. Late hours in the holiday season offer wonderful for group options. students learn from ornithologists, have been on the rise. • opportunities to escape the wintery chill and explore our lush habitats, browse our gift shops stocked with thoughtful surprises for loved ones, and have an immersive experience that brings you closer BirdCalls is published for members to nature. That connection to nature can help us step back and look at the bigger picture as the year and benefactors of the National Aviary. Subscriptions are free with membership. draws to a close. Saving High Andes Habitats continued from page 1 Sincerely, of the world’s vulnerable birds. Habitat Dr. Pilar Fish, National Aviary’s Director of and our approaches to countering them degradation puts species’ survival at risk. Veterinary Medicine, has assisted Bioparque must be integrated, comprehensive, and Amaru in setting up its veterinary clinic and collaborative. For the National Aviary and Recently published research from the developing protocols for emergency triage Bioparque Amaru, our holistic approach is National Aviary’s Director of Conservation Cheryl L. Tracy and preventative medicine. National Aviary fostering cooperation and bringing hope to and Field Research, Dr. Steve Latta, is Executive Director veterinary staff have also provided training species and habitats on the brink. • helping conservationists glean important opportunities for veterinarians throughout insights into the population trends of more South America, facilitating workshops and than a dozen high Andes bird species. on-site training. Researching survivability in the high Innovative Approaches to Teaching Avian Medicine Andes is a challenge, and long-term In June, we were thrilled to welcome Pave the Way studies documenting survival and Bioparque Amaru’s Victoria Arbeláez, by Dr. Pilar Fish, Director of Veterinary Medicine population trends are rare. The National to the National Aviary. As Amaru’s for Andean Condors ot all veterinarians are trained to treat needs of pre-veterinary and veterinary Aviary is conducting a long-running study Administrative Director, Victoria is ou can play a critical role in Nbirds. In veterinary school, the average students. Interns receive hands-on with colleagues in Ecuador that may responsible for the strategic growth of the Ybringing to life the National Aviary’s curriculum focuses on dogs, cats, horses, training in the specialized practice of avian result in recommendations for changes zoo. She spent a week observing operations, work to save Andean Condors at home and cattle, and students often don’t learn medicine, learning to perform physical to land use and conservation to preserve meeting with National Aviary senior and in Ecuador. Condor Court, home about birds. Yet birds are vastly different from exams, administer preventative medicine species’ habitats. leadership, and learning best practices for to Lianni, Lurch, and Precious, will be growing their zoo’s financial capacity and undergoing improvements, including mammals, and specific training is required to treatments, and even do emergency triage. Kurt Hundgen, the National Aviary’s Director integrating conservation messaging in their the addition of a walkway of permeable work with these unique and diverse creatures.