It's Official: Dollywood's Eagles Are Not Returning to the Sanctuary
It is a sad time for fans of Dollywood's Eagle Mountain Sanctuary. But the news does have a bright spot. Here are all the details.
Eagle Mountain Sanctuary
It's the end of an error. For 35 years, the American Eagle Foundation and Dollywood Parks & Resorts have worked together to advance bald eagle conservation and education.
The partnership between the American Eagle Foundation and Dollywood began in 1991. The two organizations have helped millions of Dollywood guests to understand the importance of protecting America's national symbol.
Over the years, the American Eagle Foundation has successfully released more than 400 bald eagles into the wild! Meanwhile, the unreleasable eagles have called Eagle Mountain Sanctuary in Dollywood their home. There, they have lived out their days safely.
Damage to the Sanctuary
Unfortunately, storms damaged Mountain Eagle Sanctuary earlier this year. As a result, the non-releasable eagles had to be relocated.
The beautiful eagles were taken to the American Eagle Foundation's educational and conservation campus in Kodak, Tennessee. While the initial intent was to repair the sanctuary, Dollywood has announced that the eagles will remain at the conservation campus permanently.
It is hard to imagine Dollywood without the eagle sanctuary. It was an unforgettable experience to see so many eagles at a glance! However, the birds will have a wonderful home. Lori Moore, Chief Executive Officer of American Eagle Foundation, promises that the Kodak campus will "provide an outstanding permanent home for the bald eagles in our care."
Eagles Will Still Be Part of Dollywood
This transition does not mean that Dollywood will be without eagles. According to Dollywood, "American Eagle Foundation will continue to have a meaningful presence at Dollywood through its popular Birds of Prey program at the Wings of America Theater, where guests can experience bald eagles and other raptors while learning about conservation and the important role these birds play in our natural environment."
Bald Eagles will remain part of the Birds of Prey Program at Dollywood.
The Wings of America birds of prey show is an excellent offering. If you have not had a chance to see it in Dollywood, you should consider it for your next visit.
Will you miss the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood? Be sure to share the news with family and friends so they can manage their expectations.
