Eastern Michigan Athletics
Football
Eagle, Bald
vs
Northern Illinois
Oct 11 (Sat)
TBA
Bald Eagle
- Title:
- Mascot
EMU’s own live eagle will be a significant presence during Turn It Up, Turn It Green before making its way to the top of Rynearson Stadium for a pre-game flight you won’t want to miss.
Already a powerful presence within the EMU Football Program, in 2014 EMU welcomed the Michigan Avian Experience's live bald eagle to game day festivities for the first time. Debuting at Rynearson Stadium on August 30th, 2014, the live eagle took flight atop the visiting stands, soaring to the field before an astonished home crowd, as the EMU Marching Band played the final notes of the Star Spangled Banner.
Now a game day tradition, the live eagle can be seen several times during all EMU home games, including the team's arrival at the stadium and during its majestic flight to the field prior to kickoff.
In 2008, when the eagle was only three weeks of age, she was pushed from her nest and sustained injuries to her wing and leg. Although the damage healed, it resulted in a slightly turned-in foot and a faintly crooked wing, leaving her unable to survive in the wild. Life as a top predator is hard work, and wild eagles that mature to adulthood need to be the best at what they do. Even if the bald eagle's physical limitations weren’t enough to keep her from existing in the wild, her ability to thrive on her own is greatly compromised for another reason: She is a human imprint. Because she was in captivity while so young, her eyes initially focused on humans rather than on other eagles, and now she identifies with people instead of her own species.
Although the Bald Eagle's status as a human imprint makes it impossible for her to be on her own; it is a beneficial trait in her role as an ambassador for her wild relatives. Interacting with visitors at home or at EMU is healthy for her, and keeps her active both mentally and physically.
Already a powerful presence within the EMU Football Program, in 2014 EMU welcomed the Michigan Avian Experience's live bald eagle to game day festivities for the first time. Debuting at Rynearson Stadium on August 30th, 2014, the live eagle took flight atop the visiting stands, soaring to the field before an astonished home crowd, as the EMU Marching Band played the final notes of the Star Spangled Banner.
Now a game day tradition, the live eagle can be seen several times during all EMU home games, including the team's arrival at the stadium and during its majestic flight to the field prior to kickoff.
In 2008, when the eagle was only three weeks of age, she was pushed from her nest and sustained injuries to her wing and leg. Although the damage healed, it resulted in a slightly turned-in foot and a faintly crooked wing, leaving her unable to survive in the wild. Life as a top predator is hard work, and wild eagles that mature to adulthood need to be the best at what they do. Even if the bald eagle's physical limitations weren’t enough to keep her from existing in the wild, her ability to thrive on her own is greatly compromised for another reason: She is a human imprint. Because she was in captivity while so young, her eyes initially focused on humans rather than on other eagles, and now she identifies with people instead of her own species.
Although the Bald Eagle's status as a human imprint makes it impossible for her to be on her own; it is a beneficial trait in her role as an ambassador for her wild relatives. Interacting with visitors at home or at EMU is healthy for her, and keeps her active both mentally and physically.
⏳ The wait is almost over ⏳
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