PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) – One of the eagles missing since a storm damaged their enclosure at Dollywood has been spotted in Knox County.
An update from the American Eagle Foundation said Friday the eagle, Rockland, was seen off Tazewell Pike. The foundation said it believed he was able to go that far by using thermal updrafts, which are rising columns of warm air that migrating birds often use. These updrafts allow birds to go long distances without excessive flapping of their wings.
Previous Coverage: Two bald eagles still missing more than 2 weeks after Dollywood storm damage
Wesley was last seen in the Pigeon Forge area.
“We want our community to know that we are actively responding to credible reports and care very deeply about safely recovering these birds. However, sightings are often reported after the bird has already moved locations, and response times can vary depending on distance and terrain. In many cases, our team may be 30 minutes to an hour away from the reported sighting area,” the American Eagle Foundation said.
Lori Moore, CEO of the American Eagle Foundation, said both missing eagles have wing or shoulder injuries.
“It doesn’t mean that they cannot completely fly, but it also absolutely inhibits their ability to be able to survive in the wild,” Moore said.
Rockland has an orange band marked SK, and Wesley has a black band.
Rockland, Wesley and Caesar escaped April 19 when a tree at Dollywood’s Eagle Mountain Sanctuary uprooted during a storm and fell into the aviary. The American Eagle Foundation was able to find and recover Caesar May 2.
Previous Coverage: One of three escaped Dollywood eagles found after storm damage
The foundation asks anyone who spots one of the eagles to call 865-429-0157. If you are unable to get through, leave a message with an exact address, and a callback number. The foundation can also be reached on Facebook, where you can send a photo if possible.
Moore said the public should not approach or feed the birds and should let experienced handlers take over.
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