The National Aviary is an accredited institution within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of accredited zoos and aquariums in the areas of animal care, wildlife conservation, education and science.

The National Aviary participates in the AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program. The SSP program helps ensure the survival of selected wildlife species within zoos through breeding management and the maintenance of a healthy, self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and stable. SSPs also participate in a variety of other conservation activities, including research, public education, field projects and reintroduction programs.

The National Aviary also participates in the AZA’s Population Management Plan (PMP) Program, which provides basic population management recommendations to ensure the long-term survival of the captive population and the health of individual animals. The National Aviary’s Director of Animal Programs, Steve Sarro, is the SSP Coordinator for African Penguins and the PMP Manager for Spectacled Owls.

National Aviary birds that are part of the Species Survival Plan program include the Andean condor, Bali mynah, rhinoceros hornbill, African penguin, Guam rail, keel-billed toucan, Micronesian kingfisher and Swainson’s Toucan.

The National Aviary currently houses more than three dozen species of PMP birds, including the Green Aracari and Spectacled Owl featured in our Wetlands free-flight exhibit, the Wattled Currassow (often seen greeting guests in the Wetlands exhibit), and the prehistoric-looking Waldrapp Ibis, usually seen perching high overhead in the Tropical Forest exhibit.

How You Can Help

You can support the National Aviary’s participation in the AZA Species Survival Plan by Becoming a Member, by Adopting a Bird or by Making a Donation to the National Aviary.

AZA is America's leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums and accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous standards for animal care, education, wildlife conservation and science. Visit www.aza.org to learn more.