The American Eagle Foundation is still searching for two bald eagles that escaped Dollywood after severe thunderstorms swept through the area in mid-April. (Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)
The search is still on for two bald eagles that escaped from Dollywood’s Eagle Mountain Sanctuary more than a month ago.
In mid-April, severe storms swept through the theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, knocking down a tree that damaged the sanctuary and created an opening large enough for three bald eagles to flee.
The bald eagles that live at Dollywood are cared for by the American Eagle Foundation. Each of the birds was brought to the sanctuary because of permanent injuries that prevent them from surviving in the wild.
Because of that, finding the missing eagles and bringing them home safely has been a top priority.
The three eagles involved are named Caesar, Rockland, and Wesley.
About two weeks into the search, the AEF announced that one of the birds had been found thanks to tips from people in the East Tennessee community. Caesar was recovered in a nearby cow pasture and quarantined at a rehab facility.
However, Rockland and Wesley are still missing.
An Update From The American Eagle Foundation
The latest update from the AEF came on Tuesday, June 2, and it appears there is still hope that both eagles will return to their home.
According to WVLT News, Rockland has been spotted in the Karns area, about 11 miles northwest of downtown Knoxville. Photos and videos shared by local residents have confirmed that Rockland is alive and seems to be doing well.
“We are actively monitoring sightings and following up on credible reports as they come in,“ Crystal Slusher, a spokesperson with the eagle rehab stated.
”At this time, Rockland has been observed several times in the area, but as with many sightings, the eagle often moves before our team can arrive on scene.”
More reports from the public have also alerted officials to another possible eagle sighting in Pigeon Forge, very close to Dollywood.
Nothing has been confirmed yet, but it’s suspected this could be Wesley.
“We are also continuing to receive reports of eagle sightings in the Pigeon Forge vicinity that could potentially be our female bald eagle, Wesley,” said Slusher. “However, at this time, we have not received any confirmed sightings of a bald eagle displaying Wesley’s smaller black identification band.”
“We continue to investigate reports and appreciate the public’s assistance in providing photos whenever possible, as they are critical to confirming the identity of the birds.”
So, what should you do if you happen to spot one of these eagles?
If you live in the Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge area, you could be the next person to spot one of the missing eagles.
While it’s important to take action if you do see one, it’s just as important to know the right way to report it.
For starters, wildlife officials are warning people not to feed the birds under any circumstances. Not only can it be dangerous for their health, but feeding them can also give them extra energy to fly farther, making them harder to locate and rescue, according to Katelyn Jennings, chief officer of the AEF.
If you do happen to see either eagle, you are advised to keep a safe distance and report the sighting right away by calling the American Eagle Foundation at (865) 429-0157
