Celebrate Our Nation’s Birthday by Adopting an Eagle at National Aviary

PITTSBURGH – July 4, 2008

Celebrate our nation’s birthday and the freedoms we enjoy by adopting a bald eagle at the National Aviary. Individuals or families who purchase a bald eagle adoption package receive a personalized adoption certificate, photo of one of the Aviary’s bald eagles, a species fact sheet, and four passes to the National Aviary. Best of all, they have the knowledge that their support is furthering the work and mission of the National Aviary. Funds raised through this sponsorship program support the National Aviary, its collection, and its conservation education programs.

The Bald Eagle Adoption Package is $50 and is available for purchase online at www.aviary.org or by calling 412.323.7235, x235.


About Bald Eagles:

Established as the national emblem of the United States in 1782, the bald eagle is a treasured symbol of liberty. In recent years, the bald eagle has also come to represent a remarkable comeback story as one of only a handful of species that have fought their way back from endangered status.

In 1940, noting that bald eagle populations were in decline, Congress passed the Bald Eagle Protection Act, which prohibited killing, selling or possessing the species. However, new threats to the species emerged after World War II, when the pesticide DDT was introduced. DDT and its residue washed into waterways, where it was absorbed by aquatic plants and fish.

When eagles ate the contaminated fish, the chemical prevented them from producing strong egg shells. Shells were so thin they broke during incubation or failed to hatch. DDT also affected other bird species such as peregrine falcons and brown pelicans.
By 1963, only 417 nesting pairs of bald eagles remained in the continental United States.

As the dangers of DDT became known, in large part due to the publication of Pittsburgh native Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring, the Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of DDT in the United States in 1972.

Populations of bald eagles have soared since then, and on June 28, 2007, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service officially removed the bald eagle from the list of threatened and endangered species. The eagles are still protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Both laws prohibit killing, selling or otherwise harming eagles, their nests or their eggs.

Bald eagles are believed to mate for life. They construct enormous stick nests – among the world’s largest – and tend to lay one pair of eggs per year. Eagles do not grow their white facial feathers until maturity at approximately four or five years of age. Bald eagles can weigh up to 15 pounds and have a wing span of six to eight feet.

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The National Aviary is open seven days a week, 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is $9 adults; $8 seniors; $7.50 children 2 and up. Under 2 admitted free. On-site parking is available.



The National Aviary seeks to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds.

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