[/av_textblock] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” custom_class=”] April 4, 2009
On April 4th Challenger, the U.S.A.’s most famous Bald Eagle, was in town for the game between the Yankees and the Cubs.
Challenger did five rehearsal flights the day before he flew at the opening of the new Yankee Stadium – getting acclimated to the space and perfecting his flight pattern from the top tier down to the ground. “It was windy, so he circled a few times,” said his handler Al Cecere. At the stadium, the Yankees – great fans of Challenger – gave him his own dressing room, but Challenger actually watched part of the game perched on his trainer’s glove.
NEW YORK – APRIL 04: Challenger the American Bald Eagle lands on the pitcher’s mound prior to the start of the game between the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs on April 4, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
Challenger lands on handler Al Cecere’s glove after free-flying at Yankee Stadium during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. Photo: Chris McGrath / Getty Images
Spectators watch as Challenger, a non-releasable American Bald Eagle,comes in for a landing on his handler’s arm on the pitcher’s mound at Yankee Stadium before the ceremonial first pitch in the Chicago Cubs exhibition baseball game against the New York Yankees at the new Yankee Stadium in New York, Saturday, April 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
When Challenger comes to town, he stays at The Sheraton and enjoys wild-caught salmon (he doesn’t like farm-raised). He also prefers Fiji water which is available at the deli across the street from the hotel (it has the perfect alkalinity). Challenger flies Delta. Cargo, but in his own special carrier, and is carefully placed in the cargo bay by personnel from the American Eagle Foundation – nobody moves his carrier after it’s in place.
During his stay in New York, Challenger appeared on Good Morning America and Fox and Friends.
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