Bald Eagles

Our National Symbol

Raptor Resource Project

In 1782, the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) became our national symbol, because of its native status and its majestic appearance. Despite its name, this eagle is not actually bald. In colonial times, bald could mean either hairless or white.

Bald Eagles are a great conservation success story demonstrating how people can come together for a collective cause. Eagles are especially important to Blank Park Zoo given we are home to Freedom and Spirit, two rescued Bald Eagles. Iowa and the Greater Midwest are vital nesting and hunting grounds for this majestic species.

Explore further to find out what you and your family can do ensure the preservation of this special species!

Blank Park Zoo’s Rescued Eagles

Freedom (left), Spirit (right)

Bald Eagles - Least Concern
Freedom (female), Spirit (male)
Struggles to fly because of injuries in the wild
Came to BPZ in 2007

Fun Facts

Bald Eagles have eyesight estimated at 4 to 8 times stronger than that of humans. They can distinguish more colors than humans too! This keen, full-color vision is their most developed sense, which they use to find prey.

Bald Eagles naturally lose their feathers due to molting. When Freedom and Spirit do this, Blank Park Zoo collects the feathers and sends them to the National Eagle Repository in Denver, Colorado. The feathers are then distributed to Native Americans and Alaskan Natives enrolled in federally recognized tribes for their use in traditional ceremonies.

Find out more here: https://www.fws.gov/eaglerepository/

Personalities

Freedom is typically much more vocal and sassy as compared to Spirit. Spirit, on the other hand, tends to be calmer and just likes to relax. They both love to take water baths and enjoy their prey items. Come see them at Blank Park Zoo!

Conowingo Dam Bald Eagle- Dec Clips from Mike Lemery on Vimeo.

Thank you to Mike Lemery for this fantastic footage. Go to MikeLemery.com to see more.