In the news: National Aviary gets spotlight on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

The National Aviary, Dr. Pilar Fish and two-toed baby sloth Valentino got some fun national publicity this week when 5-year-old Violet Brielle Spataro from Gig Harbor, Wash., visited for a guest appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

The young cancer survivor nurtures a love for sloths. After a board member saw Violet discussing the cuddly creatures on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the aviary invited her to hold the sloth and explore other exhibits.

Violet spent about 90 minutes frolicking with butterflies, penguins, owls and other feathered friends at the North Side aviary.