Through funding from the Barbara and Bill Bonner Family Foundation, construction is nearing completion this spring at the Cook Road Education Center for a new Bald Eagle exhibit and flight cage. The enclosure has been a long awaited addition to the education program.
“As the national emblem and symbol of a true success story in conservation, the Bald Eagle is a compelling addition to the Wildlife Center for its ability to share how human intervention saved a nearly extinct species,” said Dusty Lombardi, executive director of Ohio Wildlife Center. “We are grateful to the Bonner Family Foundation for making it possible to add a dynamic and high profile animal exhibit that will allow thousands of visitors to learn more about national and local conservation efforts.”
In 2014, 2015, and 2016, the Wildlife Hospital treated six Bald Eagles that were not able to be released because of permanent injuries. Due to extensive federal housing specifications, these eagles had to be placed at other facilities in the state because the Wildlife Center lacked a specialized eagle enclosure. The newly built exhibit will accommodate up to three Bald Eagles and four hawks.
Ohio Wildlife Center has obtained the federal and state education permits required for Bald Eagles and the education staff completed 400 hours of required training. In January, the Center welcomed back Grace, a Bald Eagle that had been treated at the Wildlife Hospital in 2014. Most recently a resident of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Grace was initially rescued by ODNR officers in Morgan County with wing injuries. According to Education Director Stormy Gibson, Grace is now acclimating at the Pre-Release Facility at Ohio Wildlife Center as the permanent exhibit nears completion.
In addition to the Bald Eagle, the habitat is designed to also house smaller raptors in the flight pen and provide exercise and flight space for the Center’s permanent ambassadors, Gibson said.
From a peak of nearly 100,000 Bald Eagles in 1782 to the 1963 census of only 487 nesting pairs in the U.S., it is now estimated there are 9,789 nesting pairs in the contiguous United States. In Ohio, like other states, the rebound of the Bald Eagle has brought new challenges. Suitable habitat has decreased, leading to more injuries as the birds compete for space or move to residential areas where they encounter more cars and buildings.
The new exhibit will be named the American Bald Eagle Sanctuary Supported by the Swiatek Family and the Barbara and Bill Bonner Family Foundation.
