Appearances & Public Outreach
Challenger honors the U.S. Armed forces on Veterans Day by appearing on Fox and Friends live from NYC.
Challenger flew at Yankees Stadium numerous times in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks in NYC.
Challenger visits a Veterans. The 91 year old veteran in this photo served 30 years in both the US Navy and US Army during several wars - WWII, Korean War and Vietnam. He served part of his tours on submarines.
Spencer Williams presents Bald Eagle Challenger to the enthusiastic crowd at the Celebrators Conference in Pigeon Forge.
While in coastal cities, the AEF team takes Challenger to local beaches not only to educate passersby, but because Challenger seriously loves the sun and the sand! Every celebrity Bald Eagle deserves a trip to the beach!
Challenger has flown at nearly 400 events since 1995!
Challenger has educated thousands of individuals at the grand openings of more than a dozen Field and Stream stores!
Challenger wows the crowds on the streets of NYC.
Challenger has influenced millions upon millions of individuals through his National Anthem flyovers.
Believe it or not, Challenger flies cargo on Delta! The AEF has special permission with TSA and Delta to escort Challenger all the way on and off the inside of the cargo bin.
Challenger visits the Lincoln Memorial and attracts a crowd of awe-struck school children. Photo by Tami Heilmann
Challenger takes off at during the National Anthem at a 2007 Texas Rangers game!
Believe it or not, when the AEF team is on the road, Challenger drinks water right out of a cup!
Challenger capped off the Star Spangled Banner prior to kickoff between Kansas University and Oklahoma on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 at Kivisto Field. Photo by Nick Krug
Challenger perched before members of the 278th Armored Calvary Regiment as they stand at attention during the Salute Our Troops parade ceremonies outside the Civic Coliseum in 2004. Photo by Saul Young/News Sentinel
Challenger makes a sharp turn as he soars over LP Field in Nashville, TN during the National Anthem. Photo by Richard Sueter
Challenger the Bald Eagle
A primary role in the recovery of Bald Eagles can be attributed to extensive public awareness and environmental education. The American Eagle Foundation has educated millions of Americans through Appearances and Public Outreach
The AEF makes regular voluntary — and sometime surprise —appearances with Challenger the Bald Eagle at schools, hospitals, national TV programs, monuments, public venues fire stations, police stations, veterans homes, government offices, and ceremonies. He is truly America’s most famous Bald Eagle!
Although Challenger retired from free flights in 2019, he continues to make appearances at companies, charitable fundraisers, foundations, and sporting teams year round to inspire crowds during the National Anthem…by doing so, he helps raise money to care for the other 70 raptors at the AEF!
Challenger’s past appearances include:
- MLB World Series: 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
- NFL Pro Bowl: 2002, 2003, 2004
- Fiesta Bowl: 1999, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
- Men’s Final Four: 2005, 2015
- BSC National Championship: 2007, 2011
- Daytona 500: 2015
- Paralympics: 1996
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Grand Opening: 1998
- World War II Memorial groundbreaking ceremony: 2000
- White House Ceremonies and Presidential Inaugurations, including the ‘We Are One’ Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in 2009
- Several High Point University Graduation Ceremonies
- Ceremony delisting the Bald Eagle from the Endangered Species List
- Horatio Alger Awards: Annually for over a decade
- Celebrity Fight Night, benefiting a cure for Parkinson’s Disease: Annually for over a decade
- Numerous national television shows including Good Morning America, Fox and Friends, Jay Leno, Dateline NBC, David Letterman Show and Larry King Live
Many of the professional and collegiate teams that have partnered with Challenger and the AEF are: Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, Florida Marlins, Indianapolis Colts, Texas Rangers, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, New York Yankees, Oklahoma State University, Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, University of Tennessee, Florida State University, Louisiana State University, Carson-Newman University, San Diego Chargers, Georgia Southern University, Atlanta Braves, Auburn University, Boston College Eagles,
If you would like Challenger to appear at your sporting event, fundraiser, convention, gala, trade show, etc, please email: Jessica Hall
Other Educational Eagles
Several of our other non-releasable Bald Eagles have traveled both locally and nationally to educate the public at conventions, galas, trade shows, and other event venues as well.
If you would like to request a Bald Eagle—other than Challenger—or to attend your event, fundraiser, convention or trade show:
Submit a Birds of Prey Presentation Request Form