The Eagles Have Landed!

Connecticut's only Zoo gives three Bald Eagles a brand new home

 

BRIDGEPORT, Conn - June 29, 2010 - Just in time for the 4th of July, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo welcomes three Bald Eagles to the family.  The three eagles, all male, are taking up residence in a newly constructed exhibit on Zoo grounds.   "The Zoo has been working for many years to bring Bald Eagles to Connecticut," noted Gregg Dancho, Zoo director.  "With generous support from our sponsors, we are thrilled to have these three majestic animals join the Zoo family."  Two of the eagles, Temp and Kada, came to the Zoo from the Alaska Raptor Center.  The third, who is yet to be given a name, hails from the Florida Audubon Society.  The exhibiting of Bald Eagles is done with permission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  These eagles are not flighted birds.  They are only able to hop and have a small bit of lift off the ground.  They were each rescued from the wild due to wing damage that restricted their ability to fly.   The Bald Eagle, the national symbol of the United States, was almost wiped out entirely throughout the country.  Hunting and DDT poisoning threatened the species.  It was not until strict pesticide guidelines were enforced and it became illegal to hunt this bird that the Bald Eagle population began to increase.  Bald Eagles use their talons to catch fish, and therefore tend to live near water sources such as lakes and rivers.  They also will scavenge carrion, steal other animals' kills and catch small mammals.  Bald Eagles, who have an average life span of 28 years, are believed to mate for life and build enormous nests for the pair of eggs they will lay each year.  Bald Eagles are neither social nor antisocial birds.  As long as there is enough food, the birds have no reason to interact with each other.  The Zoo's new Bald Eagle exhibit was made possible with support from the following generous donors: The Brandywine Foundation, Jeff Liskov, Eagle Scout Troop 68, the Scott Family, the Stemme Family, Unilever United States Foundation, Inc., and The Connecticut Zoological Society Docent Association.  Bridgeport architecture firm Antinozzi Associates donated the exhibit design.