Witness the grace and grandeur of America’s national bird in Abilene, Texas. The Abilene Zoo is proud to announce the arrival of two magnificent bald eagles, Sparky and Leu, to their newly renovated Keith Garner Bald Eagle Habitat. These adolescent eagles, at just 15 and 16 months old, have found their permanent home in Abilene, Texas. In this blog, we'll take you on a fascinating journey to learn more about these remarkable creatures and how they came to join our thriving zoo community.

Sparky and Leu were brought to the Abilene Zoo after undergoing rehabilitation at the esteemed Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland, Florida. These resilient eagles were rescued at a tender age of two months and were found unable to fly, making them non-releasable according to the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Thanks to the dedication of EagleWatch, an organization actively monitoring eagle nesting activity in Florida, Sparky and Leu's need for assistance was identified, leading to their rescue and subsequent journey to Abilene.

The Abilene Zoo, with the support of generous donors, embarked on a year-long renovation process to create a permanent home for Sparky and Leu within the Elm Creek exhibit. Now, this stunning habitat stands as the Keith Garner Bald Eagle Habitat, a tribute to the memory of Keith Garner, a valued member of the Abilene Zoological Society board. The completion of this project marks a significant milestone for the zoo and the community as it welcomes its first-ever bald eagles.

Abilene Zoo Director Jesse Pottebaum expressed his excitement about this new addition, stating, "We are thrilled that after an extensive process of renovation and federal permitting we are bringing the first bald eagles to the Abilene Zoo. We thought the upcoming Memorial Day weekend was the perfect time to introduce these majestic birds to the community, honoring those who have died in service to our country."

As you plan your Memorial Day weekend activities, a visit to the Abilene Zoo's Keith Garner Bald Eagle Habitat is a must. Immerse yourself in the majesty of these awe-inspiring creatures as they gracefully roam their spacious and meticulously designed enclosure. Observe their youthful energy and marvel at their immense wingspans, knowing that these adolescent eagles will eventually develop their iconic white heads between the ages of five and seven.

The Abilene Zoo is committed to education and conservation efforts, and this new addition exemplifies their dedication to preserving and showcasing endangered species. The Keith Garner Bald Eagle Habitat serves as a symbol of hope, reminding us of the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats for future generations.

To delve deeper into the zoo's impactful work and their Bird Rehabilitation Center, we invite you to visit abilenezoo.org/birdrehab. Explore the vital role they play in rehabilitating injured birds, ensuring their well-being, and contributing to the overall conservation of avian species.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to witness the beauty and significance of bald eagles firsthand. Plan your visit to the Abilene Zoo and create lasting memories with Sparky and Leu as you celebrate Memorial Day and pay tribute to our fallen heroes. Experience the wonders of nature and discover why Abilene is the perfect destination for both adventure and appreciation of our country's rich wildlife heritage.