Dollywood and an Eagle Rescue Have Protected Birds for 35 Years, And Now The Partnership Is Starting a New Chapter

The American Eagle Foundation has welcomed bald eagles from Dollywood’s Eagle Mountain Sanctuary to its conservation campus in Kodak, Tennessee, marking a significant shift in their longstanding partnership. The move follows storm damage earlier this year that resulted in the temporary escape of three birds, prompting the foundations to reconsider the location of the eagle sanctuary.

Dollywood, which is co-owned by the late Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Enterprises, announced this transition on 21 August 2023, indicating that the organizations are entering “a new chapter.” The bald eagles, which have been a staple of Dollywood since the partnership began in 1991, will now have their permanent residence on the American Eagle Foundation’s 50-acre educational and conservation campus located approximately 15 miles from Pigeon Forge.

The journey of these eagles began during the grand opening of Eagle Mountain Sanctuary in April 1991, where notable figures including Dolly Parton, Al Cecere, and Bob Hope participated in the initial release of a bald eagle into its new habitat. The partnership was initiated with the aim of educating guests about the significance of protecting these majestic birds, which represent the national symbol of the United States.

This year’s storm damage to Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, which occurred in April, necessitated the relocation of the birds. Following the incident, three eagles escaped, with one being located two weeks later. After discussions between the organizations, it was determined that the birds would remain at the American Eagle Foundation’s newly built campus rather than returning to Dollywood.

Lori Moore, the chief executive officer of the American Eagle Foundation, expressed gratitude for Dollywood’s collaboration over the years. “Eagle Mountain Sanctuary has played an extraordinary role in our history and in helping generations of people understand and appreciate these magnificent birds,” she stated. Moore highlighted the potential for future conservation and educational efforts at the Kodak campus, noting, “As we look to the future, our campus gives us an exciting opportunity to build upon that legacy.”

While the eagles will no longer be present in Dollywood, the park remains committed to educating its visitors about them through the Birds of Prey programme at the Wings of America Theatre. Guests will still have the chance to learn about bald eagles and other raptors, gaining insights into their conservation and the integral role they play in the ecosystem.

The transition signifies both a celebration of the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary’s notable legacy and the beginning of a new era for the collaboration between the American Eagle Foundation and Dollywood. A statement from the two organisations reiterated their shared focus on conservation, education, and stewardship for future generations.

This announcement was made just days before the passing of Dolly Parton on 25 August 2023 at the age of 80. Parton was not only instrumental in promoting eagle conservation but also dedicated to educational initiatives through the establishment of The Dollywood Foundation. This foundation aims to improve educational opportunities and decrease high school dropout rates. Additionally, she extended support to young children globally through the Imagination Library, a programme that delivers free, age-appropriate books monthly.

The relocation of Dollywood’s bald eagles to the American Eagle Foundation marks the end of an era and signifies the ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation and education. As Dollywood continues to honour the legacy of its partnership, both organisations are poised to contribute to the preservation and understanding of these magnificent birds for many years to come.