Columbia, the third eagle to come to our Center, was hatched in 2001. In the spring of 2002, after feasting on road kill near Dunbar, WI, Columbia was struck by an electrical van during lift-off. She was taken to the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center in St. Paul. This near-fatal accident left her with an open fracture near her right shoulder.
While this wound was significant and would render her unable to fly again, the accident most likely saved Columbia’s life — she was found to have significant lead poisoning. Thanks to the skilled veternarians, and a complete filtering of her blood, Columbia’s life was saved.
After surgery and physical therapy failed to regain her ability to sustain flight, Columbia was transferred to the National Eagle Center in January 2003. At that time, she was to embark on a new mission as an eagle ambassador.
This new eagle came to the National Eagle Center just a few months before the Space Shuttle Columbia embarked on a special mission.That flight ended in tragedy. To honor the commander and crew of this shuttle, the NEC’s third eagle would be named, “Columbia.”
The shuttle pilot, Commander Willy McCool, loved eagles. Six years earlier, McCool worked in eagle care and eagle education. He volunteered hours of service and became an eagle handler at the University of Minnesota.
As an educational ambassador, Columbia’s training has been a long, arduous road. Unlike her peers, Columbia’s basic training was a two-year process. Professionals involved with her care suspect the lead poisoning may have caused some learning disabilities. However, things are coming around for this beautiful bird. Columbia is now one of the National Eagle Center’s most popular program stars. As a fully mature eagle, Columbia offers a brilliant visage and continues to keep handlers alert and responsive. Columbia was recently voted “favorite eagle” by guests at the Center.