A high-stakes race against time is currently unfolding in the mountains of Tennessee as rescuers scramble to locate and recover two remaining bald eagles that escaped from Dolly Parton’s famed theme park, Dollywood. The escape occurred two weeks ago when a powerful storm sent a century-old tree crashing through the netted enclosure of the American Eagle Foundation’s (AEF) sanctuary. While one eagle, Caesar, has been successfully brought back, his companions Rockland and Wesley remain on the loose, causing deep concern among avian specialists.
The chase for Rockland reached a fever pitch this past Sunday. The eagle was spotted at a local hotel and later perched on a car across town. Each time a recovery team, led by avian experts and foundation executives, rushed to the site, the "little stinker"—as one expert wryly called him—took flight. The advantage of being able to soar away at a moment`s notice has made the capture effort incredibly difficult. Rescuers had hoped that a rainy Sunday would keep Rockland stationary due to wet wings, but the elusive bird managed to stay one step ahead of the "bird whisperers."
The urgency of this search stems from the fact that these eagles are considered non-releasable. Unlike wild eagles, these birds have limited flight ability and lack the necessary survival skills to thrive in the wilderness of the Smoky Mountains. "Rockland is out misbehaving, and he`s trying to get food that he shouldn`t be having," says Lori Moore, CEO of the American Eagle Foundation. There is a real fear that without human intervention, the birds could succumb to hunger or environmental hazards. To aid the public in identifying them, the foundation noted that Caesar and Rockland wear orange leg bands, while Wesley, the lone female escapee, wears a black band.
Dolly Parton has been a staunch advocate for eagle conservation for decades. In partnership with the AEF, her namesake park has housed the largest sanctuary for non-releasable bald eagles in the world for 35 years. In 2003, Parton was honored by the federal government for her work in preserving this American symbol of freedom. While the sanctuary has successfully released 185 eagles into the wild over the years, the current escapees represent a different challenge because they were never meant to leave the protection of the foundation.
Tips from the public have been pouring in from as far away as Indiana, Virginia, and Georgia. However, the most viable leads remain concentrated within the Smoky Mountains. The successful capture of Caesar last weekend provided a much-needed boost in morale, proving that these birds can be brought home safely with patience and a bit of "tag." As the search for Rockland and Wesley continues, the excitement and adrenaline within the rescue teams remain high. Every sighting is a potential breakthrough in the mission to bring these majestic birds back to the safety of Dollywood.
