Three bald eagles have recently gone missing from Dollywood’s Eagle Mountain Sanctuary following a severe storm that caused a tree to topple and compromised their aviary. The incident, which took place on April 19, raised concerns for the welfare of the birds, as each of the eagles had unique health challenges that rendered them unable to survive in the wild.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/bald-eagle-stock-photo-122724-2-34f41e829ac046e1acb467286f7e6bea.jpg)
The American Eagle Foundation, tasked with the care and rehabilitation of these majestic birds, informed the public shortly after the incident that the aviary will be temporarily closed while repairs are made to the compromised structure. The 30,000 square foot aviary is renowned for housing the largest collection of non-releasable bald eagles in the country.
Community efforts played a significant role in the recovery of one of the missing eagles, Caesar. On May 2, the American Eagle Foundation announced via social media that Caesar had been safely returned, thanks in part to an active community that heeded their calls. The foundation expressed deep gratitude for the collective efforts, stating, “This is what a community of friends looks like. Thank you all for showing up for him! We could not continue without your support!”
Alongside Caesar, two other eagles – Wesley and Rockland – remain unaccounted for, but recent sightings have raised hopes for their safe return. Wesley, a female bald eagle, is identifiable by her distinctive black leg band and a chronic shoulder injury, which can affect her flight ability. In contrast, Rockland, a male eagle, has a healed fracture in his right wing, making long-distance travel more challenging for him. He can be recognised by an orange identification band marked with the letters SK on his leg.
Local residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the two missing eagles. Lori Moore, the CEO of the American Eagle Foundation, indicated the importance of community involvement in the search, saying, “The best opportunity is if they have landed on the ground. Tips from locals are super helpful in us getting to the bird immediately and having a chance of securing them.”
In the days following their escape, sightings of Rockland and Wesley have been reported in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg areas. The calls for assistance from the public reflect the community’s commitment to the recovery of these protected raptors.
The aviary itself is not only a safe haven for the eagles but also serves an educational purpose for visitors of Dollywood. With the ongoing repair work, the park has closed the area surrounding the sanctuary, ensuring that both the birds and the public remain safe during this time of restoration.
As the search continues, the American Eagle Foundation remains hopeful for the safe recovery of Rockland and Wesley. The foundation’s staff and volunteers are dedicated to utilising local knowledge, encouraging everyone to “keep your eyes on the skies” in the hope of spotting the missing eagles.
With wildlife conservation efforts relying heavily on community support, the recent events surrounding these eagles have highlighted the important role that local citizens can play in preserving nature. As the foundation works diligently to secure the safe return of Rockland and Wesley, the community’s ongoing enthusiasm and watchfulness may play a pivotal role in their future.