Independence, the Auburn University Raptor Center’s (AURC) bald eagle ambassador, will fly coach with Delta on July 3 en route to America250 festivities in Philadelphia.
Independence and members of the AURC staff will be present for the America250 Time Capsule dedication and burial at Independence Hall on July 4.
“It means so much being able to bring Independence to Independence Hall,” Auburn University Raptor Center director Dr. Robyn Miller said in a release. “There’s a certain poetry to celebrating the 25 anniversary of the eagle flight tradition and it being so short ahead of America’s 250 birthday.”
Out-of-state travel with a bald eagle involves detailed planning, such as state and federal permitting, coordination with the USDA, and university Animal Care and Use approval to ensure that travel practices adhere to the highest standard of animal welfare. The Raptor Foundation will also facilitate Indy’s trip.
Airline travel also necessitates advance communication with TSA and the carrier of choice. Tray tables must remain in the upright and locked position on the row that Independence is seated on.
Independence will be housed in a large travel crate and buckled into two seats with Miller and other members of the AURC team forming a buffering zone in neighboring seats.
“The airlines call passengers ‘souls,’” Miller said. “Indy constitutes two souls because she takes up two seats. She is larger than life – one soul on each wing.”
During her stay, Indy will room with a member of the AURC staff. She will be tethered to a “bow perch” with water and refreshments close by.
“We’re always deliberate about letting the hotel know who we have staying with us,” Miller said. “That way, if they have any noise complaints, they’ll be able to address them accordingly and say, 'Sorry, that is not a very loud child.’ Thankfully, she tends to pipe down in the evenings.”
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