W
exford’s Melissa Wolfslayer has always loved
birds. “Some time ago, I was looking for an
opportunity to give back to the community,” she
recalls. “I’ve always had an interest in feeding
and watching birds, so the National Aviary seemed like a good
place to start. Having wonderful memories of visiting the aviary
as a child, I looked into their volunteer program.”
That simple search turned into something very special. The
National Aviary chose Wolfslayer as its 2017 Volunteer of the
Year for her commitment and service as a docent, instructor and
guide. Since 2013, she has served more than 2,000 volunteer
hours, teaching classes, providing visitors with personal insight
and background on the National Aviary’s birds, and leading
groups on educational tours.
Wolfslayer is originally from Plum Borough but has lived in
Wexford for six years. “After living out of state for a few years,
I was thrilled to move back to the Pittsburgh area,” she says.
“Wexford was particularly appealing with all of the new growth,
shopping and restaurants.”
A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Wolfslayer
draws on her background in education to inspire a love for
and understanding of birds and conservation. “I enjoy all
aspects of volunteering at the National Aviary, but my passion
is educating people on the importance of birds,” she explains.
“The aviary has a wonderful education program, and with my
teaching background I enjoy teaching classes on bird adaptations
and conservation, characteristics of birds and their unique
adaptations. I truly appreciate the opportunity to do this on a
daily basis.”
Wolfslayer also does early morning diet preparation for the
birds and finds it fascinating to learn about the nutritional needs
of the birds, and how each bird has a special diet.
“The National Aviary is the only one of its kind and I feel
lucky that it’s in Pittsburgh,” she says. “As a volunteer I have an
opportunity to interact with people from all over the nation
and the world. I enjoy discussing the birds and how the aviary
supports conservation of wild birds in many ways, like species
survival programs, field research, education programs, breeding
programs and avian medicine techniques.” Many visitors ask what
Wolfslayer’s favorite bird is, and she finds it difficult to choose.
“The Great Argus Pheasant and Victoria Crowned Pigeons
are very popular,” she says. “But each bird is interesting and
fascinating in its own way.”
While Wolfslayer doesn’t have pet birds of her own, she does
have bird feeders in her yard with many bird species visiting
regularly. “I have four crows who think they are part of the
2018 has been designated the Year of the Bird by
the National Geographic Society, in recognition
of the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act,
a key bird-protection law. The National Aviary is
proud to join National Geographic and other bird
and wildlife organizations in celebrating birds,
and encouraging learning and action to protect
wild bird species and their habitats. Learn more at
nationalgeographic.org/projects/year-of-the-bird/.
family,” she laughs. “If I don’t put treats out for them when they
want them, they knock on my back door.”
Currently at five years, Wolfslayer plans to volunteer at the
aviary for many years to come. “Winning the National Aviary
Volunteer of the Year Award is truly an honor,” she says. “I’m
thrilled with this award and happy to be part of such a wonderful
organization. The entire staff and the way they run the aviary is
absolutely amazing.”
National Aviary volunteers play an active role in furthering its
conservation mission while developing new skills and having fun.
Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas including admissions,
tours, event coordination, assisting in the commissary and
with early morning food preparation for the birds, helping with
children’s programming and more. Participants can work around
a structured but flexible schedule, and active volunteers after one
year receive a membership to the National Aviary in return for
their service.
For more information, visit aviary.org/volunteer-
opportunities. ■
About the National Aviary
The National Aviary is America’s only independent indoor nonprofit
zoo dedicated exclusively to birds. Located in West Park on Pittsburgh’s
historic North Side, the National Aviary’s diverse collection comprises 500
birds representing more than 150 species from around the world, many
of them threatened or endangered in the wild. The National Aviary’s
large walk-through exhibits create an intimate, up-close interaction
between visitors and free-flying birds, including opportunities to hand-
feed and to meet many species rarely found in zoos anywhere else in the
world. For more information, visit aviary.org.
NORTH ALLEGHENY
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SUMMER 2018
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