Liberty, the Audubon Community Nature Center’s Bald Eagle

Liberty, Audubon’s non-releasable Bald Eagle, has died.

The Audubon Community Nature Center announced the sad news Tuesday afternoon.

Executive Director Leigh Rovegno said Liberty’s health had been waning recently and took a turn for the worse in the past few days. Prior to a veterinary appointment, she was discovered early on the morning of October 25 by her longtime primary caretaker Thom Armella.

Liberty came to the Audubon Center from Washington State, where a local woman found her with an injured wing. The Bald Eagle spent a year in rehabilitation at the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center, but they determined that the damage to her wing would forever compromise her flight ability and deemed her to be non-releasable. She was transported to Jamestown in 2002.

Rovegno said in a statement, “Liberty’s presence touched thousands of children, families, and adults over her two decades at the Nature Center. She brought a sense of wonder and awe to all those who came to admire her. She will be dearly missed by all.”

Rovegno added that donations in memory of Liberty can be made at AudubonCNC.org/donate.

Liberty, the Bald Eagle, at Audubon Community Nature Center

The Audubon Community Nature Center will celebrate of 20 years of Liberty, the non-releasable Bald Eagle that makes the Audubon her home, this Saturday.

Activities at the nature center will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Children can help build an eagle-sized nest, try out life-sized eagle wings, or sit on eagle eggs as they learn about Bald Eagles.

Spotting scopes and binoculars will be available for participants to use while looking out for the wild Bald Eagles that hunt on Big Pond.

Liberty was Audubon’s first Animal Ambassador. Nature Center officials say she has inspired many who visit ACNC to learn more about eagles and their incredible recovery after being listed as an endangered species in 1978 as part of the Endangered Species Act.

Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will be on hand to talk about the current threats that eagles face.

The fee for Saturday’s event is $8 for adults, $6 for Nature Center members and children ages 3 to 15, and free for 2 and under. No reservations are necessary. Parking is free.