Hatch Year: 2013    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Severe Wing Injury    •   Origin:Tennessee

Story:Abraham is a male Bald Eagle who was rescued in Sevierville, TN, close to AEF Headquarters. As a nestling, Abraham’s nest blew over in a storm and he and his sibling fell to the ground. AEF staff rescued the two eaglets and transported them to the UT Veterinary School for treatment. Abraham’s brother, ‘Winfield’ fully recovered and was released back into the wild a year later, but Abraham suffered severe damage to his left wing and could not be released. Pictures later revealed a USFWS leg band on Abraham‘s wild mother, and she was determined to have been the offspring of Franklin and Independence, a Bald Eagle breeding pair residing in AEF’s Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood. This female eagle was released into the wild in 2008 at about 13 weeks of age from AEF’s hack tower on Douglas Lake and then returned to the area several years later with a mate. After discovering this pair’s close ties to AEF, we honorarily named Lady Independence (after her non-releasable mother) & Sir Hatcher (after AEF mentor and friend Bob Hatcher). Although Abraham cannot fully extend his left wing, he has become an exceptional educational ambassador. He once starred in our Wings of America birds of prey show at Dollywood and is now one of the stars of our Talons & Tidbits bird feeding experience.

Abraham

Hatch Year: Unknown • Sex: Female • Disability: Fracture close to left elbow; arthritis in same elbow • Origin: Washington

Story: Glenda could write a book about her many adventures before she arrived at AEF.
In June of 2012, in Spokane, WA, Glenda was found injured and was taken to Washington State University’s Veterinary Hospital raptor program for treatment. It was thought the bird had ingested something very toxic, and the prognosis was grim. She also had a fracture close to the left elbow. Word of the bird’s plight spread quickly from Spokane to the East Coast – becoming so popular that ABC’s Diane Sawyer shared her story with the world in her news broadcast. In November 2012, Glenda was banded and released, but she was found again in August 2013 unable to fly. She arrived at American Eagle Foundation in 2014, and in 2017 she formed a bond with Grant. The pair were given their own aviary on EMS, where they had three eaglets, two of which survived.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: 1990    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Human Socialized    •   Ankle Band #: RM    •   Origin: San Francisco, CA

Story:
Faithful Spirit was bonded to another non-releasable Bald Eagle named Freedom and they both lived in a large private aviary at AEF. They hatched and raised numerous young as a part of the AEF’s Captive Breeding and Hacking programs.

Unfortunately, Freedom passed away in 2020. Faithful Spirit was moved to the female section of EMS to reside with our other non-releasable Bald Eagles.

This pair was already bonded when they were transferred to American Eagle Foundation from the San Francisco Zoo in 2007. In a ceremony honoring fallen soldiers, these two Eagles, along with three other non-releasable Bald Eagle breeding pairs were named by the families of these brave soldiers.

Freedom was named in honor of  Sgt. Paul Thomason. Faithful Spirit was named in honor of Sgt. Daniel Morris.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: 1989    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Human Socialized    •   Ankle Band #: RA Orange   •   Origin: San Francisco, CA

Story:
Volunteer was transferred to American Eagle Foundation from the San Francisco Zoo’s captive breeding program in 2007 as part of a mated pair. Sadly, his mate, Hero, passed away in 2024, after which Volunteer was placed with the other birds on EMS. In a ceremony honoring fallen soldiers, Volunteer and Hero were named by a family in memory of Army National Guard soldier Joey Hunt.

During their time together, Volunteer and Hero hatched numerous eaglets that were placed into wild nests on the Channel Islands as part of a bald eagle recovery project off the coast of Los Angeles. The San Francisco Zoo later concluded its highly successful breeding program after helping reintroduce more than 100 young bald eagles into the wild.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: 1995    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Human Socialized    •   Ankle Band #: Black band #29    •   Origin: San Francisco, CA

Story:
Honor arrived at American Eagle Foundation in 2007 alongside his mate, Braveheart. Before joining AEF, this bonded pair played an important role in the recovery of bald eagles on California’s Catalina Island.

Honor

Hatch Year: 2000    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Wing Injury    •   Ankle Band #: Orange RD    •   Origin:Idaho

Story:
Hope came to the American Eagle Foundation at approximately one year of age from the Tish Raptor Rehab Center of Boise Idaho. This young Eagle had been found injured and taken there for help. Her wing had broken between the elbow and shoulder and an operation was performed to hold it together. The break was very bad and she was not expected to recover. She had many complications and eventually was brought to The American Eagle Foundation (AEF) in June of 2001. Dr. Ryan, a veterinarian used by the AEF, had to perform another operation to replace the pin in her wing. Hope had a rough convalescence over a period of several months and it was uncertain if she would live. Due to the severity of her injury and extended recovery, she was deemed permanently dis­abled and could not fly or survive in the wild.

The name, Hope, symbolizes the struggles, which can be overcome, even when the odds are against you.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: 1998    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Missing one eye    •   Ankle Band #: Orange RK    •   Origin: Missouri
Story:
 Isaiah is a male Bald Eagle from Missouri that was injured by a shotgun in 1988. One of the pellets destroyed his left eye. He has all of his flight capabilities, but is missing his left eye. Isaiah arrived at the American Eagle Foundation’s education, breeding and rehabilitation center in Pigeon Forge, TN in 1991.
Isaiah and his mate hatched and raised numerous young as a part of AEF’s Captive Breeding and Hacking programs. Mrs. Jefferson laid her first egg in 2012, and both parents participated in the successful rearing of an Eaglet, which was later released into the wild in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains on Douglas Lake. Over the years, they hatched and raised numerous young.

Isaiah & Mrs. Jefferson

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Wing Injury    •   Ankle Band #: Orange SD    •   Origin: Arkansas

Story:
Fiona arrived at the AEF in March 2020. She was transferred from the Southwest Veterinary Hospital in Arkansas. Fiona has limited range of motion in her right wing as a result of a metacarpal fracture. Due to her injury Fiona does not have enough flight ability to be released back into the wild.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: 2022    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Human Imprint    •   Origin: Arkansas

Story:
Endeavor’s journey began in Arkansas, where he was found as a young eaglet after his nest fell into a lake. Thankfully, local fishermen spotted him and got him the help he needed. He was taken to a local veterinarian who found he had aspirated in his lungs from being in the water. Endeavor required extensive medical care to recover and while that care saved his life, it also led to a lasting bond with humans. Because he was treated at such a young age, Endeavor became human-imprinted, meaning he now associates people with food, safety, and companionship. For his safety and the safety of others, Endeavor is non-releasable meaning he would likely not survive in the wild and could possibly seek out people for food or attention.

Endeavor

Hatch Year: 1989    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Human Imprint    •   Origin: Louisiana

Story:
In the spring of 1989, a baby Bald Eagle (3-5 weeks of age) was blown from a wild nest in Louisiana during a storm. Fortunately, he was rescued by some well-meaning people who proceeded to hand-feed and raise him. Unfortunately, he experienced too much human contact at a very young age and became highly ‘human socialized.’

Challenger’s rescuers transferred Challenger to the Audubon Zoo of New Orleans. According to the records of the Alabama biologists, they picked up Challenger at the Audubon Zoo on June 8, 1989. At this time, they estimated his age to be about eight weeks of age (this means he most likely hatched between April 9-15, 1989. AEF therefore celebrates Challenger’s birthday around that time). They delivered him near Scottsboro, Alabama for hacking and later release on Guntersville Lake when first capable of flight at 12-13 weeks age.

Challenger was released twice into the wild that summer of 1989 and landed near people three different times in search of food. The first time was in Alabama near some fishermen and the second time was in a little league baseball field in Iowa, where he was found emaciated. Challenger was transported back to wildlife officials, where he was fed up and re-released. The young Eagle yet again landed near a man to beg for food, this time at Percy Priest Lake outside of Nashville, TN. The man was frightened, picked up a stick, and was about to hit the Eagle. Fortunately, another man intervened and prevented him from being harmed.

This being the third time the Eagle had sought out people to look for food when he became hungry, it was determined that he could not survive and hunt on his own in the wild. At that point, federal and state fish and wildlife agencies placed the Eagle in the care of American Eagle Foundation, which was headquartered in Nashville at this point in time.

AEF decided to name this Eagle ‘Challenger’ in honor of the fallen crew of the space shuttle.

Challenger became a very well-trained gloved educational Eagle, used to educate people about the importance of protecting his species. Then one day AEF Founders and staff had a vision: what if we could train Challenger to perform dramatic free-flight demonstrations during the Star Spangled Banner?

The rest is history.

Challenger

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Wing Injury    •   Ankle Band #: Orange SU    •   Origin: Mississippi

Story: Amelia was transferred to the AEF from the Jackson Zoo in May 2020. In January of 2017 she arrived at Wild at Heart Rescue in Mississippi for rehab. Amelia had a fracture in her right wing and the tip of that wing was missing. At the time the rehabbers suspected this occurred due to electric shock. Amelia was eventually transferred to the Jackson Zoo for continued rehabilitation and flight conditioning, however she did not regain enough flight ability to be released back into the wild.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: 2014/2015    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Left Eye Injury    •   Origin: Indiana

Story:
Indiana came to us in September of 2015 from Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This bird was found in March 2015 with a bruised left elbow and a left eye injury which resulted in scar tissue covering most of the pupil. The wing healed completely, but he has minimal vision in the left eye.

Indiana

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Nerve Damage Right Wing    •   Ankle Band #: Black RE114574    •   Origin: Ohio

Story: Scarlet was found in a corn field by wildlife officer, she was feeding on a discarded pig carcass. Scarlet sustained a right wing injury from a possible collision with a car resulting in radial nerve damage to right wrist. For a period of time she had a severe right wing droop and she had to make an effort to fold it up. With extensive physical therapy she has regained enough wing strength for short flights and can fold the wing in 90% proper position with no damage to primaries. She has very little to no sustained flight or capabilities of soaring.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: 2016/17    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Damaged feather follicles on right wing and wrist - Damage to Feet    •   Ankle Band #: Black RE114575    •   Origin: Ohio

Story: Buckeye arrived at AEF in 2021, he was estimated to be about 4-5 years old due to his plumage at intake. This bird nearly drowned in a lake hanging on to a too- large fish. He then let go and swam to a dock where he used his wings to try and climb out of the water. Construction workers got him out and wildlife officer rescued him. He was very bruised and he could not fly.
After healing from the bruising, he failed to grow primaries beyond about 6” growth at which time the feathers would drop out.  With wildlife and falconry recommendations, Crows Hollow let him go through another molt. Again, each time he would grow 3-4 of the primaries, they would molt back out. He is able to fly pretty well actually with his 1.5 wings but he does not get enough lift to fly above about 10’ high nor would he have sustained flight or soaring capabilities.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: 1993    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Right Wing Injury – Gunshot    •   Ankle Band #: UA (Orange)    •   Origin: Kentucky

Story:
Aquila’s journey began in the early 1990s when he was found with a gunshot wound to his right shoulder. At the time, he was barely out of the nest, likely a newly-fledged eaglet. Though he received care and survived the injury, the damage left him with limited flight ability, making him non-releasable to the wild.

Aquila

Hatch Year: 2016    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Amputated Toes    •   Origin: Pennsylvania

Story:  On August 26, 2016, Penny was brought to AEF from Pennsylvania after being caught in a trap. Having undergone months of rehabilitation, It was determined that due to the missing toes she would not be able to hunt and survive effectively. Penny has found her home here at AEF, she has made a huge impression on many of the staff members, and we love having her as a educational ambassador!

https://eagles.org/meet-our-birds/bald-eagles/penny/

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Right Wing Injury    •    Origin: Pennsylvania

Story:  Rockland arrived from the National Aviary in Pennsylvania. He had served as a program bird for a time, but he did not thrive in that environment. With a right wing injury limiting his ability to fly fully, he was in need of a more natural and supportive home.

Today, Rockland lives at American Eagle Foundation as an ambassador, helping educate visitors about bald eagles and caring for injured wildlife.

https://eagles.org/meet-our-birds/bald-eagles/eagle-mountain-sanctuary/

Hatch Year: 2023    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Human Imprint    •   Origin: New York

Story:  Ace came to us in September of 2024. Ace was originally treated for a wing injury at another facility but became a human imprint due to the extensive medical treatment she received had a young age.

https://eagles.org/meet-our-birds/bald-eagles/ace/

Hatch Year: 2009    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Human Imprint    •   Origin: New York

Story:  Sylvia was rescued in 2009, after being blown out of her nest, and suffered a broken wing that left her with no flight capabilities. Once Sylvia was treated in rehab, she became a human imprint. Sylvia spent several years at another facility until she was transferred to AEF in 2020.

https://eagles.org/meet-our-birds/bald-eagles/sylvia/

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Right shoulder Injury and right eye cataract    •   Ankle Band #: Orange RW    •   Origin: New York

Story:  Troy was found near a fishing access road in North Norwich, New York. She had a cataract in her right eye and injured right wing. Despite attempts to rehabilitate her, her wing injury was severe enough to render her flightless. She was transferred to American Eagle Foundation to live permanently in Eagle Mountain Sanctuary.

https://eagles.org/meet-our-birds/bald-eagles/non-flighted-lower-enclosure/

Hatch Year: 2002/03    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Arthritic Shoulder (poor flight)    •   Ankle Band #: Orange PX    •   Origin: Maryland

Story:  Grace formally known as Boots went to the Wildfowl Trust of North America (WTNA) in May 2003 from the Baltimore Zoo hospital. She was a first year eagle when she had been found down on the ground with such bad arthritis in both shoulders that she was not able to get more than a 5 foot lift or sustain flight beyond 50 feet. She had maintained a healthy weight and no other medical problems until after March 2006. In July 2006 she was sent to Wildlife Rescue in Maryland after a volunteer noticed she “looked bad.” Upon arrival she was found with massive weight loss, anemia, bilateral bumble foot, internal and external parasites (feather mites/lice), and a massive abrasion of her cere that was infected. These were successfully treated over the next 6 months and she was sent back to the WTNA with a healthy weight. In April 2007, she was returned to Wildlife Rescue again with weight loss, anemia, bilateral bumble foot, and a massive infected abrasion of her cere. Her demeanor was depressed. Six months later she completely recovered and she, along with another male Bald Eagle from Wildlife Rescue, were transferred to  American Eagle Foundation to be placed into Eagle Mountain Sanctuary.

https://eagles.org/meet-our-birds/bald-eagles/eagle-mountain-sanctuary/

Hatch Year: 2018/2019    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Left Wing Injury    •   Origin: West Virginia

Story: Josephine was found hopping around in a creek. She sustained an injury to her left wing at both her ulna and radius- causing her to lose complete capability of flying. She was transferred to AEF in 2021 for her forever home from Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia, our friends at ACCA tell us she loves fish heads, lots of space, and her traveling playlist included some hits from Dolly Parton. Named in loving honor & memory of Walter Crain who served in WWII.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Left Wing Injury    •   Ankle Band #: NA    •   Origin: West Virginia

Story:  Riley arrived at Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia in 2014 after sustaining an injury to his left wing. He suffered a fracture to both his ulna and radius- causing him to lose complete capability of flying. While a home was being located, he served as a mentor to other young eagles that came in. Because of this eagle, the nestlings learned from him, and did not imprint on their human caregivers giving them a second chance in the wild.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Shoulder Injury    •   Ankle Band #: NA    •   Origin: West Virginia

Story:  Wesley came to American Eagle Foundation from ACCA after a period in rehabilitation for a shoulder injury. Her injury prevents her from flying effectively, making her non-releasable.

Today, Wesley serves as an ambassador, helping guests learn about the challenges bald eagles face and the vital role of rehabilitation and conservation efforts.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Left Wing Injury    •   Origin: Virginia

Story: King George came to us in September 2015 as an adult from Wildlife Center of Virginia. He was found injured on August 2nd, 2013 in King George County, Virginia. Due to a traumatic event, his left wing tip was partially amputated, resulting in impaired flight ability.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Abnormal Feather Growth (inhibited flight)    •   Ankle Band #: Orange PV    •   Origin: Virginia

Story:  Virginia experienced permanent injuries which prevented its release back into the wild. This bird was admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia on May 18, 2010 after being seen running through a field unable to fly. On initial physical exam and radiographs there were no abnormalities found with the exception of many broken feathers on the right wing. It was given time to grow feathers, however the feathers remained abnormal on the right wing. Bacterial and fungal cultures were performed of the feather follicles, as well as systemic blood work and multiple repeat physical exams and radiographs. No abnormalities were evident with the exception of pinched feather follicles appreciated on radiographs and grossly visible when a feather falls out. This could be indicative of a past West Nile Virus infection; however, it is not possible to definitively diagnose this. Due to this abnormal feather growth, the WCVA, Virginia was deemed a non-releasable Eagle, as it is unable to fly well enough to fend for itself in the wild. Virginia was transferred to American Eagle Foundation in February 2011 and now lives in Eagle Mountain Sanctuary.

https://eagles.org/meet-our-birds/bald-eagles/eagle-mountain-sanctuary/

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Injury to the left patagium    •   Ankle Band #: Orange PU    •   Origin: Virginia

Story:  Kathy was admitted to the Wildlife Center as an adult on February 9th, 2007. On initial presentation, the bird had a large open laceration on the left patagium; the membrane on the leading edge of the wing. The wound healed, however, as a result of the injury the patagial ligament has constricted thus restricting full range of motion on the left wing. She was transferred to the American Eagle Foundation to live in her new home at Eagle Mountain Sanctuary. She recovered well and, despite her limited flight ability, is very strong and feisty!

https://eagles.org/meet-our-birds/bald-eagles/eagle-mountain-sanctuary/

Hatch Year: 2016    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Avian Pox/Failure to thrill in the wild    •   Origin: Florida

Story:  Scout arrived at American Eagle Foundation in July 2017. She had been treated earlier that year at a rehabilitation center in Florida for avian pox, a virus that left her covered in sores/lesions. Post treatment she was released back into the wild but failed to thrive. She was found again, malnourished and begging for food at which point she was deemed non-releasable and found a permanent home at AEF.

Scout was estimated to be just over 1 year old at the time of her arrival at AEF. She has a slightly scarred beak that is a result from the avian pox and her beak requires a little extra care to keep it growing straight. One of Scout’s favorite activities is shredding cardboard boxes!

https://eagles.org/meet-our-birds/bald-eagles/scout/

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Amputated wing from gunshot    •   Ankle Band #: Orange PR    •   Origin: Florida

Story:  Brave Spirit is a male Bald Eagle. He was found in Gulf County, Florida in March, 30 2006 by two state biologists who were performing fauna surveys. He was taken to the local wildlife rehabilitator, where it was discovered he had been shot in his wing and he had compound fractures of both bones above the elbow.  The wing could not be saved and was amputated. Brave Spirit now resides at the American Eagle Foundation’s “Eagle Mountain Sanctuary” at Dollywood entertainment park in Pigeon Forge, TN. His presence reminds everyone to do all we can to protect and conserve this majestic species.

https://eagles.org/meet-our-birds/bald-eagles/non-flighted-lower-enclosure/

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Lead poisoning and blind in one eye    •   Ankle Band #: RE1144591    •   Origin: Florida

Story: 

Gala came to American Eagle Foundation from a rehabilitation center in Florida that was searching for permanent placement. She arrived at the rehab center blind in one eye and suffering from lead poisoning.

Although she survived thanks to dedicated rehabilitators, her vision loss and the lasting effects of lead exposure made it impossible for her to return to the wild. Bald eagles rely on sharp eyesight and strength to hunt and survive, and Gala would not be able to compete.

Today, Gala serves as an ambassador for her species, helping educate guests about the dangers of lead poisoning and the importance of protecting America’s national bird.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: 1989    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Blind in one eye and amputated Hallux    •   Origin: Tennessee

Story:
Mrs. Jefferson was found standing, but not moving, on a river bank in 2000 by canoers. The canoers captured her and transported her in the canoe with them. Suffice it to say, they managed to get her to stay in the canoe and bring it (and her) safely to shore.
She was examined, and seemed to be favoring her left wing and left leg. Nothing was broken, but there might have been nerve damage. She was found to be blind in her left eye, likely resulting from an old injury. Since she was blind in one eye, she was deemed non-releasable. She also had an injury to the hallux (back toe) that required its removal. Full use of their feet is necessary for an eagle to be able to catch fish and other prey.
Mrs. Jefferson was placed in Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in hopes that she would select a mate. She chose Isaiah, and together they have hatched and raised numerous young as part of AEF’s Captive Breeding and Hacking programs. Mrs. Jefferson laid her first egg in 2012, and both parents successfully reared an eaglet that was later released into the wild in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains at Douglas Lake.

Isaiah & Mrs. Jefferson

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Foot and Wing Injury    •   Ankle Band #: Orange RB    •   Origin: Tennessee

Story:
Mr. Roosevelt was presented to the American Eagle Foundation and subsequently to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center on June 2, 2011 for evaluation. Mr. Roosevelt originated in Arkansas and the rehabilitator there believed that the Eagle was non-releasable. The veterinarian’s examination revealed injuries to the left foot, wrist and elbow. Injuries to the foot and wrist were resolved, but the elbow became a chronic problem. Roo was treated several times with antibiotics and the joint improved; however, it became apparent that he wouldn’t be able to fly well enough to be released back into the wild and was transferred to American Eagle Foundation November 2011.

In 2016, the American Eagle Foundation found two eggs that were laid on the ground in Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, and the eggs were taken to the American Eagle Foundation’s incubation room. One eaglet hatched but unfortunately didn’t make it past its second week.

Later that year, the pair was moved into its own breeding enclosure with its own manmade nest in order to properly mate and raise young!

In 2017, the pair successfully hatched and raised two eaglets! They became the stars of the Dollywood Eagle Cams project, impressing thousands of viewers with their impressive first-time parenting skills.

Sadly on Jan. 17, 2018, Eleanor (Ellie) was found deceased from unknown causes in the aviary

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Wing Injury as a result of a gunshot wound    •   Ankle Band #: Orange RE    •   Origin:Tennessee

Story:
Hamilton came to the AEF as an adult Bald Eagle. He was brought to the University of Tennessee Avian and Zoological Medicine on March 28th 2013 after being found in Hamblen County, TN. Physical examination and radiographs revealed a chronic fracture of the left ulna with some involvement of the elbow joint. Four pellets were noted within the body suggesting that the eagle may have been a gunshot victim. The Eagle was transferred to the American Eagle Foundation the following day, and then returned to UT on 24 May 2013 for reevaluation of the left wing and elbow joint, which appeared swollen. The joint contained a significant amount of fluid, some of which was aspirated and submitted for culture. The Eagle received medications for pain relief and antibiotics pending culture results, and returned again on 10 October 2013 for evaluation of the left wing. Again fluid was present within the joint. Radiographs confirmed swelling of the joint but also indicated damage to the radial and humeral bones at the joint and degenerative joint disease of the elbow. Repeat culture of the joint fluid did not reveal any bacteria. Subsequent to the recheck examination the joint appeared to be less swollen. Although Hamilton can fly, the chronic nature and severity of his joint disease made him an extremely poor candidate for release with any reasonable expectation that he would survive, thus he was placed permanently into his new home!

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Wing Injury    •   Ankle Band #:     •   Origin:Tennessee

Story: Betsy’s story began in a Tennessee backyard, the home of a Dollywood tour guide, where she was found grounded and unable to fly. She suffered a severe injury to her right wing, suspected to have been caused by a gunshot.

Despite receiving care, the damage to her wing left her unable to return to the wild. Flight is essential for survival, and without full strength and mobility, Betsy would not be able to hunt or defend herself.

Today, Betsy serves as an ambassador at American Eagle Foundation, helping educate Dollywood guests about the importance of protecting wildlife and respecting birds of prey.

eagles.org/meet-our-birds/bald-eagles/eagle-mountain-sanctuary

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability:     •   Origin: Tennessee

Story: Bentley was found along Bent Road in Kodak, Tennessee, grounded and unable to fly. She had suffered an injury to her left wing, though the exact cause of the trauma is unknown.

Despite receiving care, the damage to her wing left her non-releasable. Strong, fully functioning wings are critical for hunting, survival, and freedom in the wild. Without full flight ability, Bentley would not be able to thrive on her own.

Today, Bentley serves as an ambassador at American Eagle Foundation, helping educate Dollywood guests about the challenges bald eagles face and the importance of wildlife conservation.

eagles.org/meet-our-birds/bald-eagles/eagle-mountain-sanctuary

Hatch Year: 2020    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Wing Injury    •   Origin:Tennessee

Story:
Carson originally hatched in the wild near Tellico Marina in Blount County, TN. He was still young when the tree his nest was in fell. He was admitted to the University of Tennessee with a fracture to his left humerus and a dislocated shoulder. Carson underwent surgery to repair the damage and came to AEF for rehabilitation. Unfortunately, Carson did not regain full mobility in his left wing and is therefore unable to fly. He has found his permanent home here at American Eagle Foundation.
Carson is full of personality. He is extremely curious and seems to love causing mischief.
He is now starring as one of the bald eagles in our Talons & Tidbits bird feeding experience.  Carson is affectionately named after Rachel Carson, a famed conservationist, and the author of the book Silent Spring.

Carson

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Damage to wing (Traumatic amputation due to fishing line). Tested positive for lead    •   Origin: Tennessee

Story: 

Caesar was found in White Pine, Tennessee, severely malnourished and trying to survive by eating discarded Little Caesars pizza from a backyard. It was a heartbreaking sign that something was very wrong.

Further examination revealed serious damage to his wing caused by entanglement in fishing line, which ultimately required a traumatic amputation. He also tested positive for lead exposure. With these significant injuries, Caesar could not return to the wild.

Today, Caesar serves as an ambassador at American Eagle Foundation, helping educate Dollywood guests about the dangers of fishing line, environmental lead, and improper disposal of waste that can harm wildlife.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary

Hatch Year: 2017    •   Sex: Female   •   Disability: Inability to hunt    •   Origin: Tennessee

Story:
Saphira was hatched at AEF on May 9, 2017. She was released from our hack tower on August 17 and traveled to Virginia where she was found in September of the same year, emaciated and malnourished. She was transferred to a rehabilitation center in VA and then back to American Eagle Foundation where she was placed in an aviary with live prey and fish. Saphira showed no interest in hunting for herself and was ultimately deemed non-releasable. She now resides permanently at AEF as an educational ambassador.

Saphira is one of our largest glove-trained eagles, weighing about 10lbs with an approximately 7ft wingspan. Her size and bold personality inspired her name, which she shares with the fictional dragon from the book/movie series, Eragon. She is a very curious bird and loves to interact with new enrichment items! She is an excellent educational ambassador and you may see her accompanying AEF staff at off-site educational events!

Saphira

Hatch Year: 1998    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Human Imprint    •   Origin: Tennessee

Story:
Lincoln was hatched at American Eagle Foundation’s (AEF) Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, where he was raised by his non-releasable parents, Liberty and Justice, until he was eight weeks old. He and his siblings were then moved to AEF’s hacking tower on Douglas Lake to prepare for life in the wild.

Upon his release, Lincoln demonstrated incredible endurance, flying 550 miles within his first two weeks. However, he soon began seeking out humans for food, first in Indiana and later in Michigan, indicating difficulty in hunting on his own. As he grew weaker and hungrier, he struggled to survive.

In September 1998, Lincoln was found, rehabilitated to a healthy weight, and returned to Tennessee for an assessment. When placed in an enclosure with live prey, he was unable to hunt successfully. Due to his inability to survive in the wild, U.S. Fish and Wildlife deemed him non-releasable, and he found a permanent home at AEF.
Since then, Lincoln has become a beloved ambassador for his species, captivating thousands through educational programs and impressive flight demonstrations. Through school visits, public events, and media appearances, Lincoln has helped inspire people of all ages to appreciate and protect birds of prey.

More recently, Lincoln has gained national recognition for his breathtaking free flights during the National Anthem at the past seven Philadelphia Eagles games. His soaring presence not only ignites excitement among fans but also encourages them to learn more about the species and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation.
Lincoln plays a crucial role in teaching the public about bald eagles, conservation, and the challenges these birds face in the wild.

Lincoln

Hatch Year: Unknown    •   Sex: Male   •   Disability: Wing Injury    •   Ankle Band #: None    •   Origin: Tennessee

Story:
Kodak was found in a cow field in Kodak, TN. Unable to fly, he was found by some farmers in December of 2020. Kodak not only had a left carpal dislocation, he also tested positive for lead poisoning. After rehabilitation within our flight run – he still was unable to fly well enough to hunt for himself.

Eagle Mountain Sanctuary