(Video produced by Julia Cecere, AEF Media Manager)
Challenger the Bald Eagle soars during the National Anthem at the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins game on September 21st, 2014.
Challenger is a 25-year-old, non-releasable male Bald Eagle cared for by the non-profit American Eagle Foundation. Named in honor of the fallen space shuttle crew, this majestic bird has become a free-flying ambassador for his species. He has soared through hundreds of stadiums, arenas, ballrooms, and classrooms across the U.S. since 1991. He was blown from his Louisiana nest at 5-weeks of age and rescued by well-meaning people who proceeded to hand-raise him. As a result, he became human imprinted for life.
