Zoo Atlanta Plans for Bald Eagle

Photo Credit: Yathin S Krishnappa / Wikimedia

Zoo Atlanta has plans to bring a Bald Eagle to the city, but is asking for funds to help make the addition possible.

According to WSB-TV, the zoo is seeking $10,000 to build an enclosure for the endangered bird and pay for its first year of feeding and additional husbandry costs. Once the facility is built, the Georgia Department of National Resources will inspect it before the zoo can apply to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a permit to house the bird.

Any bird acquired by the zoo will be obtained through a joint effort with the Fish and Wildlife Service. The ideal candidate is a flighted eagle who is already used to human contact. These eagles are usually rehabilitated from injuries but are still unable to be released back into the wild.

In order to raise the funds to build the enclosure, the zoo has turned to local crowdfunding platform SterlingFunder to solicit donations from the general public. Contributions can be made for as little as $30, WSB-TV says.

The total cost of the project has been broken down as follows:

Exhibit Construction Costs

• Site Work $5,100.00
• Materials and Equipment $1,400.00
• Pump / Pre-Filter for Exhibit $300.00
• Rain Shelter $300.00
• Interpretive Signage $700.00

Eagle Related Costs

• Eagle Permit $150.00
• Eagle Acquisition (Staff Travel and Eagle Shipping) $800.00
• Eagle gloves for handlers $250.00
• Cost of food for first year at $3.00 per day $1,000.00

If you would like to donate, please visit the zoo’s fundraiser page.