The life of a retired bald eagle

[@KohalaLover]

I’m crying. I love Challenger. He is our national bird. 🦅 Thank you for not treating him as a pet but respecting him. Hope his retirement is full of good health and happiness. I follow our local Bald Eagle couple in Big Bear, California, Jackie and Shadow. They are exquisite, funny, and utterly in love with each other.

[@mtkoslowski]

Please repair his cataracts so that he can retain his vision. Not to do so would be uncaring.

[@kelleyhawk6595]

@@mtkoslowski then why don’t u start out by donating a big chunk of money to get them started on a fund for it. Sanctuaries depend heavily on donations.

[@indigowolf556]

Me too! I just got through watching a video on the dodo where a man rescued an eagle. And I cried. Where I live the Puget sound area, I see eagles but they're just little lips up in the sky. And this will probably be the closest I ever get to see one and they're just gorgeous.😮❤

[@gokuljosh1186]

My family had a bald eagle as pet, but unlike Challenger he knew how to hunt. He used to play fetch with my cousins. We never kept him locked, but he was caught by a person who clipped his wings and sold him off to someone, I still don't understand why my family chose peace back then,

[@KohalaLover]

@@gokuljosh1186 I am so, so sorry for the person that clipped his wings and made him a slave. He will never forget you, or the love and care you gave him.

[@USAIRFORCE621]

If you've ever been to an MLB or NFL game and seen a Bald Eagle flying above the crowd it was most likely this handsome boy! Such an amazing symbol of freedom for our country! 🇺🇸

[@tamarinbush6613]

I bet that would be so cool to see him flying overhead. He is beautiful ❤

[@laurat1129]

I was amazed when I first saw this, how awesome!🇺🇸

[@goobingtons]

Freak show bird that can't function properly, needing all the help in the world just to look good. Seems right.

[@williewade1]

Freedom? How ironic your statement is when this Eagle, unfortunately, has had to live in captivity for the vast majority of its life.

[@laurat1129]

@@williewade1 Why don’t you watch the video first and find out why he has to live “in captivity” before you comment, troll.

[@andread4595]

Honored to have Challenger as our national bird. He is too cute hopping with that stick and hanging out with his stuffed animals. Next best life to living out in the wild. What a special treat for us to have him❤

[@donna8243]

He's beautiful. He didn't get to live a normal eagle life, but in return he gets a longer life span. ❤

[@kelleyhawk6595]

When he’s flying through the stadium & he hears cheers, he looks so proud. I ❤ the way he’s been allowed as much as possible, just be his beautiful eagle self!!!!! ❤❤❤

[@Carter9007]

Quit lying how could you possibly know what he looks like while doing that

[@GirolamoZanchi_is_cool]

And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. -John 3:16 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. -Acts 3:19 If you’re in North America, please go check out any of the churches available to you: PCA, OPC, Rpcna/Rpc, Urcna, or a canrc church . (These are conservative & actual Presbyterian churches) If you can’t find one of the conservative Presbyterian churches then, maybe a Lcms Lutheran church. If you are Scottish, I recommend the Free Church of Scotland and the APC . (Different from the Church of Scotland) If you’re English I recommend the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England & Wales and the Free Church of England (Different from the Church of England) Also online you can look up church finders for each of the groups, it will show you locations .

[@GirolamoZanchi_is_cool]

@@Carter9007🦙

[@dad4ever-c90]

Challenger is truly living the dream! Instead of having to hunt, food is served to him. He can enjoy playing with stuffed toys, like a child. He attends major sporting events and has a GREAT view of the field. And after 24 years of work, he retires comfortably. Makes me a little jealous.

[@nMommyMode]

Wow, what a life Challenger has had. I hope he enjoys his retirement ❤❤❤

[@Whizz83]

I was fortunate enough to get to meet Challenger shortly before he retired. He visited my local VA hospital. He did well with the crowds and onlookers.

[@denisekenney6436]

He’s so cool, so majestic even though he doesn’t know it. I’m so glad he was saved from the outdoors where he could have starved or been killed by other eagles 🦅. They’re very territorial. Have a wonderful rest of your life Challenger! 🦅

[@lilaclizard4504]

He also could be out there having babies & increasing the number of his species to bring them away from extinction couldn't he! Why are you glad he lost the chance to do that? Yes it's good that he wasn't left to die, but it would have been better if he had been handed over to professional rescuers when first coming into care, so that he could be rehabilitated & released to live the life he was supposed to

[@Valois_Kressa-Heller]

​@@lilaclizard4504 In the film, they say they tried to rehabilitate and release Challenger into the wild, but found that he could not survive on his own (he would beg for food from humans, which is not good for wild animals), hence why they decided to take him into permanent care.

[@lilaclizard4504]

@@Valois_Kressa-Heller yes in this case it was the right (only) option, but the OP is speaking as if they think it's a good thing for even a healthy eagle to be removed from the wild, so that they don't have to face predators or find their own food. That's not good imo

[@Valois_Kressa-Heller]

@@lilaclizard4504 I see. Thank you for clarifying your point! I do agree with you on that point. If an eagle (or any wild animal) is healthy and capable of sustaining itself and surviving in the wild, then there is no reason to interfere and remove it from its natural habitat. It can manage fine on its own. Take care!

[@alukkod]

@@lilaclizard4504 I feel sorry for people like you

[@Voltaic_Fire]

The old fella has had a good life amongst humans, that much can not be denied.

[@barath4545]

He had a better life than 95% of humans as well!

[@mcguimont2993]

What a magnificent bird! Thanks for taking care of Challenger ❤️ 🦅

[@diannacarey6508]

What an exquisite beautiful bird!!! LOVE YOU CHALLENGER!!!❤❤❤

[@anniemac3075]

Another bitter sweet story, sad because he can't live a fulfilling way as a wild free bird but wonderful he's safe from the human dangers out there & is also an ambassador for his kind.

[@rogers6168]

The attached cam while he is flying is amazing. Challenger has had quite the journey. I hope he lives in good health for as long as a captive eagle can.

[@mistygeller3193]

He is amazing! And what an honor it must be to care for him 🥰❤️ The first time that I saw one up close and in person it absolutely took my breath away! Their eyes seem as though they are looking into the depths of your soul!

[@canadasweetie]

What a gorgeous precious animal. I love him. ❤

[@maryzambrana7141]

Wonderful way to begin my day, seeing Challenger flying, beaking and chattering away. He is one of the many reasons that I support the Audubon Society. Too many bird species are under threat of extinction. Please do what you can to save them. 😊

[@stuff2047]

Had one in my backyard today😍. We see them quite often here in Southern Maryland. They are and always will be my favorite bird of prey. Challenger certainly is living his best life. I’m so glad he’s being taken care of so well.

[@cindyaraya7317]

You are extremely handsome Challenger!! I am so glad that you are very well cared for! May you live out the rest of your days in the care of your guardians!

[@ΑικατερίνηΜιχαηλίδου-τ5μ]

Ειναι πανεμορφο!!!! Ενα τεραστιο ευχαριστω στην υπεροχη αυτη κυρια που το φροντιζει!!!! Με πολυ αγαπη!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🇬🇷

[@PatriciaKuljanich]

He picked the pink bunny. Of course he is unreleasable. Beautiful thing. I love him.

[@saltymaam2046]

What a beautiful bird! They are magnificent and thank you for caring for him!

[@nicoletteteame509]

Beautiful Bird

[@makeitsimple612]

Absolutely beautiful ❤

[@teribelleau137]

So Beautiful and Majestic!!! Thanks for the data on Challenger's species. Super interesting. Watching him fly over the American crowds at the Stadium, was euphoric and exhilarating. ❤😊

[@oscopin74]

What a beautiful animal.

[@catherinehpn3613]

Such a majestic bird. I’m glad they’re our National Bird.

[@willlane2388]

What a sweet sweet guy. Thank y'all for taking care of him.

[@NZKiwi87]

I wish we could recognise and treat all animals with this level of respect.

[@elpiedra1596]

😂😂😂

[@blackbakaraox4207]

An amazing being as a challenger ! I can believe I am same years old as him. Enjoy your retirement 👏👏✨✨❤️❤️😘😘

[@k4productions]

I remember seeing him at my first eagles game, gonna miss him but I’m happy to hear he is getting a well deserved break

[@wolfman3295]

Wow! Such a beautiful bald eagle! I loved that airport scene part. That woman is awesome too.

[@brenthill3241]

Aww. So sweet.

[@IrieAllDay88]

He is majestic; I wanna cuddle him lol.And what a great job these people have.

[@wendicarpenter5635]

I've always followed challenger I absolutely love him

[@Lettuce-and-Tomatoes]

I saw Challenger down in Florida in December. He’s got himself a real nice place in a mobile home retirement community in Tarpon Springs called Gulf Shore Breezes. He was driving around in his golf cart smoking a cigar with the waistband of his Bermuda shorts pulled up to his chest while yelling at the “young little punks” to get out of his way. I heard he won the community shuffleboard championship last year. He looked happy.

[@GeoBeatsAnimals]

😂

[@HankandLouie]

Saw Challenger do a fly over in a big game - can’t remember. May have been a Super Bowl. Anyway, heart was in my throat.❤Got real emotional seeing this beautiful, wondrous symbol of our country. 🇺🇸

[@Carmen-vw5rk]

So beautiful. Happy retirement, Challenger!

[@annecronin8339]

When seeing Challenger perched on his handler's glove, it is astonishing how huge they are next/relative to the human. Though male bald eagles are smaller than females they are still big. Amazing!

[@debrakleid5752]

I saw my first wild bald eagle here in FL last year. We could hear his screeching and after a minute or two we found him. He was high in a tree and all I could see was his white tail feathers and after 10 or 15 minutes he took flight. Beautiful bird and proud to have him as our national bird

[@mattbrandow2470]

He’s not just our national bird he’s a national treasure 🫡🇺🇸

[@sabrinazalar8667]

Omg, that bird is beautiful.

[@weeyee60]

He is so handsome! 🦅 What a privilege, to get to work with, & care for him…💛

[@krisindaboyce2747]

He is so gorgeous ❤ He was ckearly meant to be living his best life with everyone. Glad he has such awesome care takers. 🙂

[@tracypolselli1464]

They are so majestic and beautiful.

[@mammyewok]

i loved seeing challenger do his flyovers.im glad hes doing well.

[@melissamartin8266]

They are such regal animals. To see one in it's natural environment is really quite a sight but, to see one up and close and personal...nothing like it in the world. Beautiful. I love the fact that you respect him as a wild animal and treat him as such. That's so important so, thank you for taking such great care of him.

[@katemcshane]

Very touching...and interesting. He is wonderful to see flying. It really got to me. I cried. Thank you.

[@debbiejameson7816]

How I would love to give that handsome birdie a kiss on his soft, fuzzy little head. Thank you for making his life have purpose & joy. Bless you.

[@dposcuro]

I have had immense respect for bald eagles since I was10 or 11. Walking on the beach when I walked past an eagle that was sitting on a rock in the ocean. When I came back, there was a group of people armed with blankets, towels, and a dog kennel surrounding it trying to capture it so it could be taken to a local wild life recovery place. So, I pitch in, and I am a small kid. I am not much taller than this damn bird. Its talons were massive, and I could just _see_ how sharp its beak was. Left a bit of an impression on me.

[@EmbalmerEmi]

What a beautiful,talented boy!

[@loral10311]

Wow, 34 and he is still absolutely beautiful.

[@Helen-mh8mq]

I love the respect for what he wants to do💗🥰

[@TornSparrow1974]

The facts you gather by watching these vids! I didn't know that about the 'bald' term. He's beautiful. :o)

[@shannon_w.]

He is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!

[@jroysims44]

Challenger is a new hero of mine.

[@Acklarfeld]

This guy is my favorite bald eagle of all time. I am glad he is being given the good post-retirement life he enjoys and lives each day(his wings still work, btw, last I checked, he's still given flying exercises daily currently).

[@DMS-pq8]

What a magnificent species

[@TheShift_OfEnergy]

I adore the sound of an eagle. true magic on earth

[@vickil3256]

This made my day much brighter. ☺️🫶🏻💚 🦅

[@darlene9154]

He’s so beautiful ❤

[@jenniferbruce5470]

Beautiful Video! Thank you for sharing Challengers Story ❤🦅 I really enjoyed this video 😊❤

[@stagger5863]

What a mastic and beautiful bird 🦅❤️

[@indigowolf556]

He is beautiful!

[@karenplath_]

Many more happy years, you gorgeous thing! 😍

[@evolve777]

That is a beautiful bird.

[@Gman-cr8rq]

Great symbol of our Nation. Great job folks. Fantastic video...

[@eschwarz1003]

thank you for taking care of this magnificent being

[@dianesaienni5466]

He like all birds is just beautiful

[@Selma-ku7dd]

Have a beautiful retirement Challenger!

[@Christine-r8h6u]

Wishing Challenger a very happy retirement ❤

[@governordog]

I love him 🦅

[@lulumoon6942]

Bless You Challenger! 🦅❤️🙏💞

[@Messiah1976]

Enjoy your life Challenger with caring people that love & respect you.❤🙃

[@maramakesjournals2319]

We see them here from time to time. They’re magnificent!

[@robbabcock_]

What a sweet birb! 🥰🦅👏🎆❤

[@aaronpeters1770]

good story. wud love to see one up close , maybe even hold one. beautiful bird as they all are

[@jje5300]

❤❤❤ JUST LOVE HIM ..!!! BEAUTIFUL 😍

[@WaiferThyme]

What a beautiful boy! Here in NS , we have a place called Sheffield Mills where hundreds ofwild eagles gather and are fed chicken from the neighbouring chicken farms

[@KohalaLover]

Nova Scotia? That is magnificent.

[@brightantwerp]

What a beauty

[@debbiecooper1677]

what an honor to work with him. are him to trust you guys.

[@TheSmokey999]

Thank you for all you do for the birds of prey ❤.

[@carmenruiz5033]

truly a spectacular bird!!! ❤

[@fernkitty]

Love that he is a Philadelphia fan!!!!

[@bluepurple1971]

My favorite Bird in the world.. theyre magical.. I love seeing videos of them..

[@bettesmith1117]

Bravo handsome Challenger!!!

[@ktkat1949]

Very interesting video. I learned a lot I did not know. Thanks for posting.

[@brockachoo]

What a beautiful ol fella

[@kanjuro8926]

I love that all civilisations have a wild animal (or several) they look up to.

[@scc6454]

What a cool bird!

[@dobermommartha]

He is so handsome! What an honor to be a caretaker to a beautiful bald eagle 🦅 such an amazing bird. Please say “Hi” to Challenger for me from Idaho

[@smellprophet6606]

I love bald eagles, they waddle so cutely

[@trinity2145]

Omg I’m in love with him.

[@fdm2155]

I love that he has a Phila Eagles jersey!

[@louisevanderlinde8590]

Great video. In South Africa we have the Fish Eagle that is close to the Bald Eagle. It's wonderful that you let him decide what he wants to do every day.

[@ruthkickinit87]

Happy retirement Challenger long happy life

[@yeeteater51]

I love how they look regal when in flight but just silly when standing

[@rumm624]

Thank you so much for protecting these beautiful birds❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@andersrkeness2721]

Adorable 🥰

[@pavel0491]

God bless Challenger!

[@brytonmassie]

Beautiful, intelligent, full of personality, it really gives a good view into Bald Eagles.