 Tioga, a flightless eagle, at the National Zoo's new Bald Eagle Refuge.
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July 15, 2003 — The Smithsonian National Zoological Park last week opened its new Bald Eagle Refuge exhibit during a ceremony attended by government officials and celebrities.
The exhibit, which is the result of a partnership between the zoo and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, "offers visitors a moving, personal experience with our national bird and encourages an exploration of the eagle's natural history and conservation," said Smithsonian National Zoological Park Director Lucy Spelman in a press release.
The two birds featured in the exhibit, a female named Sam and a male called Tioga, were donated by the American Eagle Foundation.
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The organization, which is based within and largely funded by the Dollywood amusement park, took the birds in from the wild after they were found to be permanently incapable of flight by injuries.
"Bald eagles have symbolized our country's freedom and heritage for more than 220 years," said Dollywood founder Dolly Parton. "We are excited and proud that Dollywood and the American Eagle Foundation are donating these two majestic birds to the National Zoo."
"As wildlife habitat loss continues to threaten animal populations, partnerships in conservation have become essential in protecting the diversity of animals and their habitats," Spelman stated.
"The new Bald Eagle Refuge Exhibit (offers) a close-up view of the American bald eagle while educating visitors — especially children — about our National Wildlife Refuge System," said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton.
"Eagles are majestic symbols of America," she said, "and zoos and wildlife refuges have played a vital role in protecting this treasured national symbol."
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Name: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Primary Classification: Falconiformes (Hawks, Vultures, Eagles and Relatives) Location: North America. Habitat: Mature conifer forests near lakes, rivers and oceans. Diet: Mainly fish. Also birds, small mammals and carrion. Size: Up to 37 inches in length, with a 90 in wingspan, and up to 14 lbs in weight. Description: Blackish-brown plummage with white head and tail. Beak, feet and eyes are bright yellow. Long talons and powerful, grasping toes. Hooked beak. Cool Facts: Their excellent eyesight allows them to identify small prey up to a mile away. They have around 7,000 feathers. Conservation Status: Endangered in the lower 48 states of the U.S. Major Threats: Hunting and pollution. What Can I Do?: Visit The Peregrine Fund and the National Wildlife Federation's Bald Eagle page for information on how you can help. |
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