Animals have been a part of Pioneer Park since the beginning. Over the course of several years, birds became part of the display (primarily pigeons) and pheasants were added in the 1960s.

In 1982 the Walla Walla Lioness Club began a $90,000 fund-raising campaign to construct pheasant pens and a large waterfowl enclosure. The effort was kick-started by a gift of $20,000 donated by the trust fund of the late Clarence and Clifford Braden, a local pioneer family.  The Lioness’ members launched a community drive and raised $30,000.  The Braden Trust then matched that amount. The whole community was involved in the fund-raising with local businesses, clubs, civic groups and school children contributing to the aviary fund. There were not any City of Walla Walla funds involved in the original construction of Pioneer Park Aviary.

With donated funds, materials and labor the facility was built. A $10,000 trust fund was also established to assist with maintaining the aviary.

The ground-breaking ceremony, billed as an “Afternoon in the Park” was April 10, 1983. Participants dined on free hot dogs, Coke and ice cream, all donated. The afternoon’s entertainment included games, music, puppets, dancers, baton twirlers and performing goats.

The new aviary replaced a small, existing facility and was constructed north of the old aviary, which was removed.  At that time there were about 50 birds in eight pens.

     The new aviary included twelve 10x25 foot enclosures of wire and wood screening; enclosing and netting the pond at the west side of the Whitman Street exit; a storage building; paved walkways around the enclosures; security lights; a drinking fountain; and plantings to create natural habitats.

A second waterfowl enclosure, primarily for geese, was built in 1997.  Again the Lioness Club assisted with funds and in coordinating the donation of materials.  Park Department staff contributed the labor.

The aviary building which houses the incubation and rearing facilities as well as a quarantine room, kitchen area for preparing food and a staff office were constructed in 1998-99 with donated funds and staff labor.

In May of 2020 there were a series of break-ins to the Aviary. Staff found eleven birds either dead or missing.  After news of these events reached the public staff received an outpouring of support from the community.  $38,000 in donations were received which enabled staff to install solar powered security lighting outside the aviary net pen, install surveillance cameras, and purchase replacement birds.