New Facility Provides Bird`s-Eye View of Birds of Prey!

New Facility Provides
Bird’s-Eye View of Birds of Prey!
Photograph provided by Dollywood Publicity
A cast of fascinating birds of prey has been entertaining Dollywood guests since 1991.
With the addition of a new facility next-door to the Wings of America Theatre, guests can
get an up-close view of these famous raptors.
Thanks to the support and assistance of several generous sponsors, the new facility, built
in cooperation with the Dollywood-based not-for-profit American Eagle Foundation,
allows guests of all ages to enjoy unique interactions with the birds beyond the popular
Wings of America Show, which takes place next door to the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary.
At nearly one million cubic feet, the facility showcases America’s largest presentation of
non-releasable bald eagles!
When the birds of prey aren’t in the Wings of America Show, they’ll be found in their
new home, complete with ten viewing stalls, feeding facilities and exercise space.
American Eagle Foundation staff members will share personal experiences with birds and
interesting information about the various species, making the experience even more
informative, educational and fun. For the first time, Dollywood guests have the
opportunity to visit at length with these animal experts, ask questions and see a variety of
birds of prey in this captivating new setting.
Some of the fascinating birds of prey that Dollywood Guests may meet include:
Photograph provided by Dollywood Publicity
Frankie, the Screech Owl
Frankie, the Screech Owl
A nocturnal bird, Frankie and other screech owls
become active after sunset. Frankie came to
Dollywood in 1997 from the woods of Kentucky.
The origin of Frankie's injury is unknown but she
suffered a severe head injury. She was nursed
back to health by caregivers at the American
Eagle Foundation, who officially named her
"Frankenstein" due to the many stitches required
to close the wound.
Valentine & Jupiter, the Barn Owls
Valentine was hatched in 1994 at the American Eagle Foundation and raised by the
staff's caregivers. Barn Owls are cavity nesters, preferring to nest in dark places like tree
cavities, caves, and, true to their name, barns. The American Eagle Foundation has
hatched, raised and released many Barn Owls in the Smoky Mountains and surrounding
areas. Valentine, however, resides here and helps the American Eagle Foundation
educate others about this fascinating species.
Jupiter was hatched in 2004 at the American Eagle Foundation and raised by the staff's
caregivers. Ten years younger than Valentine, Jupiter also resides here at Dollywood and
helps the American Eagle Foundation promote education and awareness about the Barn
Owl, the only member of its species found in North America. Unfortunately, in the wild,
Barn Owls have a very high mortality rate with only an estimated 20 percent of their
young reaching maturity.
Barry, the Barred Owl
Barry & Sampson, the Barred Owls
Barry came to the American Eagle Foundation in 1998 after a storm toppled the nest he
shared with his brother, Sampson. Nursed back to health by the well-meaning folks who
discovered him and his brother, Barry is now a "human imprint," which means he can no
longer survive in the wild. Visitors to the South Carolina Aquarium may recognize Barry
who spent several years there as part of an exhibit.
Like his brother Barry, Sampson is a "human imprint" due to the rehabilitation he
received from well-meaning folks who rescued them after a storm toppled their nest from
a tree. Unable to survive in the wild, Samson and his brother came to the American
Eagle Foundation in 1998. Sampson and other Barred Owls are easily recognized by
their distinctive "hooting" or call.
Owlice, the Great Horned Owl
Horseback riders found Owlice, injured and on his back, in Pennsylvania in 2001. She
was taken to Tri-State Bird Rescue where the staff discovered a band indicating that
Owlice was previously released in New Jersey. Suffering from starvation, Owlice also
began showing signs of head trauma. Her head was tilted and a cataract had formed in
one eye. During her rehabilitation, it also was discovered that Owlice had no fear of
humans, which meant she could not survive in the wild. That same year, Owlice joined
the American Eagle Foundation family at Dollywood.
Daisy & Bowlice, American Kestrels
Daisy and her species are perhaps the most colorful raptors in the world. After a cat
raided her nest, Daisy was found on someone's deck. Due to the concerned homeowner's
caregiving, Daisy was rendered a "human imprint," which means she cannot survive in
the wild. Instead, Daisy found a new home at the American Eagle Foundation at
Dollywood in 2005.
Bo was in the same nest as Daisy that was raided by a cat. Discovered both weak and
dehydrated underneath someone's deck, Bo, too, was rendered a "human imprint" due to
the care he received from the concerned homeowner. Bo cannot survive in the wild, but
he found a new home in 2005 at the American Eagle Foundation at Dollywood.
Bonita, the Crested Caracara
Bonita, the Crested Caracara
Bonita came to the American Eagle Foundation
in 1997 from the Florida Audobun in Maitland,
Florida, where she recovered from a gunshot
wound to her wing. The caracara is the most
terrestrial bird in the falcon group, spending a great
deal of time on the ground. Bonita is no exception.
Affectionately known as “the class clown” here at
Dollywood, Bonita delights guests with her
comical stage antics.
George, the Turkey Vulture
George, the Turkey Vulture
Discovered in 1985 after his parents were killed, George's human caregivers rendered
him a "human imprint," which means he cannot survive in the wild. Having spent his
entire life in the care of humans, George presents himself with great dignity,
contradicting many common characteristics of the vulture. The Cherokee, for example,
refer to the vulture as the "peace eagle." The vulture can often b e seen soaring in the
sky, relying on upcurrents of air to stay aloft, allowing them to save energy.
Photograph provided by Dollywood Publicity
Buzz, the Black Vulture
Buzz, Albert & Cujo, the Black Vultures
In 1987, Buzz was found wandering on a horse trail by some well-meaning folks who
thought he had been abandoned. They took him home and raised him, leaving him a
"human imprint," meaning he cannot survive in the wild. Buzz joined the American
Eagle Foundation family at Dollywood in 1989, making him one of its longest residents.
Most people don't know that the vulture is the most intelligent of all birds of prey. Buzz
is credited with improving the vulture's image through his interaction with Dollywood
audiences.
Albert was just a baby when he was discovered by his well-meaning rescuers in
2006. As is often the case, Albert was thought to have been abandoned. By the time
Albert made it to the American Eagle Foundation, he was already a "human imprint,"
which means that he cannot survive in the wild. Instead, he resides here at Dollywood.
Often seen soaring through area skies, vultures like Albert often sport a wingspan of six
feet.
As a youngster, Cujo wandered into a local resident's backyard in 2004. Cujo
immediately joined the children who were playing there. Later that night, the children
went indoors, and Cujo tried to follow them inside. Left to spend the night on the porch,
Cujo tried repeatedly to get inside each time the door was opened. The next day, Cujo
was welcomed into the American Eagle Foundation family where staffers soon learned
that he had no fear of humans, most likely the result of human imprinting. It is believed
that Cujo was likely raised and later released by humans.
Satch, the Red-tailed Hawk
Photograph provided by Dollywood Publicity
Satch & Jesse, the Red-tailed Hawks
Satch was removed from his nest as a baby by a man who unfortunately was illegally
selling birds of prey. Satch was sold to an undercover agent working on behalf of the
United States Fish & Wildlife Service who released Satch to the American Eagle
Foundation in 1981. Captured soaring above the audience, Satch appears in a widely
used photograph often featured in Dollywood's brochure. Satch is one of the most wellknown birds in the Wings of America Birds of Prey show.
Jesse was hatched and raised as part of a research project. Upon completion of the
project, Jesse joined the American Eagle Foundation family in 1997. Due to extreme
variability, the red-tailed hawk can be difficult to identify. According to the Cornell Lab
of Ornithology, the red-tailed hawk's raspy cry is used in movies to represents any eagle
or hawk anywhere in the world.
Mikie, the Harris Hawk
Maverick, Mikie & Sundance, the Harris’ Hawks
Harris’ Hawks are often referred to as “wolves of the sky” because they are one of the
few hawks that actually hunt in a pack, a technique that allows them to catch prey much
larger than themselves. Harris’ Hawks are often used in the sport of falconry because of
their group hunting style. Maverick was trained for this very purpose. However,
Maverick is a very small Harris’ Hawk, and the falconer decided not to use him for
hunting, afraid that Maverick would get hurt. Instead, Maverick was transferred to the
American Eagle Foundation in 2007, where he is used to educate others about his species,
which is typically found in the Southwest regions of the U.S.
Mikie was hatched at the American Eagle Foundation in 1991 as part of an experiment.
Staffers were testing the parenting abilities of one of the foundations pairs of golden
eagles. Ultimately, the golden eagles did an excellent job nurturing young Mikie, so
much so that Mikie thinks he is a mighty golden eagle instead of a little Harris' Hawk.
Sundance came to the American Eagle Foundation in 2006 and was hatched and
nurtured as a falconry bird. In the process, Sundance broke his wing. Although he can
fly, Sundance's flight is not at a level skilled enough to enable him to effectively hunt.
Like all hawks, Sundance and other Harris' Hawks have keen vision and hearing.
According to the foundation staff members, Sundance has a great personality and is a joy
to work with.
Lucy, the Swainson’s Hawk
Lucy, the Swainson’s Hawk
Lucy came to the American Eagle Foundation all the way from the West Coast in
Oregon. Traveling long distances is not unusual for the Swainson's Hawk; it has the
longest migration of any American raptor--from Canada to Argentina. When Lucy
arrived at Dollywood, she had a broken lower mandible or beak which now requires
constant, special attention to enable her to eat independently. Lucy was deemed too
aggressive at her previous home, but she is relaxed and happy here in the Smoky
Mountains.
Osceola, America,
Mr. Lincoln & Dobie,
the Bald Eagles
Osceola was discovered in
January 1983 by rabbit hunters.
Osceola had been shot in the
wing, an injury so severe the
wing had to be amputated to
save Osceola's life. Having one
wing has not limited Osceola's
role at the American Eagle
Foundation. He served as one
Photograph provided by Dollywood Publicity
of the organization's first poster "birds." Osceola was even named an honorary Nashville
citizen. Robbed of the thrill of flying, Osceola returned to the sky with longtime friend
and hang glider John Stokes. Their beautiful flight is featured on video during the Wings
of America Birds of Prey show.
John & Osceola hand gliding
Osceola, the Bald Eagle
In 1988, America was removed from his wild nest in Alaska as part of a relocation and
repopulation project. He was taken to Dale Hollow Lake in Pickett County, Tennessee
where he was released. Within a few short weeks, America had traveled all the way to
Michigan, only to be shot in his left wing. The injury impaired his ability to fly, and
America could not be released. Instead, America made his home here at the American
Eagle Foundation where he continues to travel across the country participating in
educational programs to increase awareness about birds of prey.
America, the Bald Eagle
Mr. Lincoln was born at the American Eagle Foundation and released into the wild in
1998. He was soon discovered in Michigan. Mr. Lincoln was hungry and food deprived
from apparently never having learned to catch his own food. After considerable
evaluation, it was determined that Mr. Lincoln's skills were not adequate for life in the
wild. Fortunately, he was able to return to the foundation where he still resides today.
Mr. Lincoln, the Bald Eagle
Dobie came to the American Eagle Foundation in 2001 from the Audubon Bird of Prey
Center in Florida. When he was only ten days old, Dobie fell from his nest and was
attacked by a dog. A Doberman, no less, hence his name. The dog attack left Dobie with
permanent damage to his tail and wing feathers, so he now resides at the foundation
where he is safe from harm's way.
Scimitar, the Peregrine Falcon
Scimitar, the Peregrine Falcon
Scimitar arrived at the American Eagle Foundation from the University of Tennessee
Veterinary School. He suffered a broken wing which the vets had pinned. Scimitar
recuperated in a wing brace and completed several weeks of physical therapy. During
this time, the staff observed Scimitar’s very calm demeanor, which they attributed to
previous time spent in captivity. His calm demeanor combined with his wing injury
convinced the staff that Scimitar could not survive in the wild. In 2008, Scimitar began
his career at Dollywood, where he teaches others about his species, the fastest bird on
earth that often dives at speeds in excess of 200 mph.
Condor
Maya, the Andean Condor
Maya was born at the American Eagle Foundation in 1998. She was nurtured by the
foundation staff to educate and increase awareness about birds of prey. The Andean
Condor is an endangered species in its native South America. To help bolster the condor
population, the American Eagle Foundation kindly donated Maya's parents to the Santa
Cruz Zoo in Bogota, Columbia, while Maya's sibling was sent for release.
Friar Tuck, the African Pied Crow
Friar Tuck, the African Pied Crow
Friar Tuck, or Tuck as he is known, came to live at
the American Eagle Foundation in October 2005
when he was approximately six months old. Tuck is
known for his glossy black feathers and broad collar
of white feathers at the base of his hind neck. The
foundation staff especially enjoys training Tuck, much
to the delight of audiences at the Wings of America
Birds of Prey show. Tuck closes the show with his
impressive fundraising where he collects donations
and "tucks" them in the box.
Cherokee, the Golden Eagle
Victory, the Golden Eagle
Tecumseh, the Golden Eagle
Victory, Cherokee & Tecumseh, the Golden Eagles
Victory was hatched in the wild in 1984 in Death Valley, California. She was found after
falling from her nest and began her captive life at the Los Angeles Zoo. In 1984, Victory
found a new home at Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida where she resided until 1999 when
the facility's bird program closed. It was then that Victory made her way to the American
Eagle Foundation where she spends her days educating Dollywood Guests. Audiences at the
Wings of America birds of prey show are especially impressed by her magnificent seven-foot
wingspan.
Cherokee is another West coast transplant. Cherokee was found in Napa, California, in 1994
after a fall from her nest. Cherokee was placed with the American Eagle Foundation in April
1994. With a knack for non-verbal communication, Cherokee was affectionately nicknamed
"Big Foot" by the staff. To get the staff's attention, Cherokee stands on the floor of her
enclosure and bangs her massive feet against the door.
Tecumseh was hatched in captivity at the Topeka Zoo in 1980 before going to the Akron
Children's Zoo in Akron, Ohio. In 1995, zoo officials offered Tecumseh to the American
Eagle Foundation, who welcomed him with open arms. Tecumseh quickly became the
trainers' favorite due to his gentle nature, which is quite uncharacteristic of the golden eagle.
Pilgrim, the Bald Eagle
Pilgrim, the Bald Eagle
The American Eagle Foundation’s oldest bald eagle, Pilgrim, celebrated his 40th birthday
in 2008.
Pilgrim’s story begins in New England, where he was born into the wild in 1968.
Discovered in Maine in 1970, he was taken to the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.
Soon Pilgrim was relocated to the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel,
Maryland.
Officials there examined Pilgrim and found a pellet in his left wing. At the Blackwater
National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge, MD, in 1973, Pilgrim was released in the wild.
Two years later, he was found in Delaware, which a gunshot to his right wing, which was
broken in two places, leaving Pilgrim with a permanent “droop.”
In 1994, Pilgrim arrived at the American Eagle Foundation along with his mate,
Mayflower, with whom he has been paired since 1977. A complete history of Pilgrim
and Mayflower is sketchy, but upon arrival at the American Eagle Foundation, the duo
found a new home in the facility’s breeding enclosure at the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at
Dollywood. The staff was elated when Pilgrim and Mayflower produced three eggs.
Much to everyone’s dismay, the eggs were infertile.
Though unsuccessful on this front, Pilgrim and Mayflower would still get a chance to
exercise their parenting skills. In 1996, Pilgrim and Mayflower were given an eaglet to
nurture, which they did with great success. After eight weeks of loving care from Pilgrim
and Mayflower, the eaglet was removed from its nest and taken to Douglas Lake, where
it was released in the wild.
Sadly, Mayflower passed away in 1999. American Eagle Foundation staffers tried
pairing Pilgrim with two other females. Twilight, who lost her mate in 1998, captured
Pilgrim’s eye and attention. The pair laid their first eggs in 2001, but once again, the
occasion was met with great sadness when it was discovered that the eggs were infertile.
Unfortunately, no eggs have been laid since. In 2007, Pilgrim and Twilight were moved
to a group enclosure.
It was discovered that Pilgrim suffered from vision problems. Pilgrim later underwent
successful cataract surgery at the University of Tennessee Veterinary School. Pilgrim’s
sight was restored. Though not perfect, Pilgrim’s vision is adequate enough to allow him
a satisfactory quality of life.
Appropriately named, Pilgrim’s pilgrimage began many years and many miles from the
American Eagle Foundation. Today, as the facility’s senior eagle, Pilgrim delights
visitors at Dollywood.
All birds of prey at Dollywood are under the care of the American Eagle Foundation which is authorized
to possess birds for education, rehabilitation and breeding under permits from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service and The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.