Bobcat OR Grizzly: Brawl on the Wild Side Learn More...
Bald eagles, one of the largest birds of prey species, are the national symbol of the United States, but they can be found all over North America’s forests and grasslands. Bald eagles can be seen near large bodies of water like rivers, streams, and lakes, as this carnivorous species hunts for fish and other small mammals.
Bald eagles are known for their coloration, but it takes time for an individual to grow into their iconic look. After hatching, bald eagles are surprisingly small and covered in down feathers for warmth. At young ages, bald eagles can look very similar to golden eagles! As they reach adulthood, they will get their “bald” or white head coloration and whitetails.
This species is no longer considered endangered, but their populations did drop significantly due to hunting, habitat loss, and pesticide usage as recently as the 1960s. Today, bald eagles are protected by the The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, The Migratory Bird Treaty, and The Lacey Act, among others.
Emelio is one of the oldest animals at the Zoo! He came to ZooMontana in 1998 from the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage, Alaska, after being treated for a gunshot injury from poachers. Emelio’s flight was negatively impacted due to this injury, so he was deemed non-releasable.
The Zoo’s resident bald eagles may look similar, but you can tell them apart due to the amputation on their respective wings. Emelio’s wing was amputated at the “elbow,” and his feathers look a little less groomed.
Tokata also came to the Zoo in 1998 from the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage, but she was treated for a powerline strike that hurt her left wing. Due to this injury, Tokata was also deemed non-releasable.
Of the bald eagles, Tokata is the more vocal of the two, so you may hear her chirp-like call from their habitat. Tokata will also appear darker brown than Emelio.
10:00am to 2:00pm
Guests are permitted to stay on grounds one hour after closing.
*Open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Inclement weather and special events may also alter operational hours.
