Crews are searching for three eagles that escaped from the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, over the weekend [1].
The incident highlights the vulnerability of specialized wildlife habitats to extreme weather and the urgency of recovering birds that may not be equipped for survival outside a sanctuary.
The escape occurred after a storm caused significant damage to the birds' enclosure [1]. The sanctuary, located in East Tennessee, is operated by the American Eagle Foundation. Staff and crews from both the sanctuary and the foundation have been working to locate the missing animals [1], [2].
Lori Moore, the CEO of the American Eagle Foundation, is among the leadership overseeing the recovery efforts [1]. The search operation is focused on the areas surrounding the sanctuary to ensure the birds are returned safely to their habitat [2].
Three eagles are currently missing [1], [2]. The birds fled the facility once the storm compromised the structural integrity of their housing [1]. While the specific nature of the storm damage was not detailed, the resulting breach allowed the animals to fly away from the facility [2].
Recovery teams are monitoring the region for sightings of the birds. The American Eagle Foundation continues to coordinate the search as they attempt to secure the animals, and repair the damaged enclosure to prevent further escapes [1].
“Crews are searching for three eagles that escaped from the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary”
This event underscores the operational risks that wildlife sanctuaries face during severe weather events. The loss of these specific birds is critical because sanctuary animals often lack the hunting skills or territorial knowledge required to survive in the wild, making the speed of the recovery effort vital for the birds' survival.
