Bald Eagle Flights at Great
American Ball Park

Sam is one of only two Bald Eagles at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. You won’t find him in the eagle exhibit though. During the summer you will find him flying at the Great American Wings of Wonder Bird Show. You may also see him flying at a Reds game during the National Anthem.

In 2000, Sam was hatched in Michigan. Several months later, he was found by the side of the road with a wing injury. Sam’s injury was repaired, but his wing injury limited his flight ability, and he wouldn’t survive in the wild.

In the spring of 2003, Sam joined the bird show. After many months of intense training Sam made his debut flight on September 24th, 2003 when the Reds played the Chicago Cubs. He flew from center field to second base, much to the delight of all who were in attendance. Sam has flown fourteen times during the Reds National Anthem and is enjoying the freedom to fly.

Sam’s comeback is reflective of his species. Thirty years ago, Bald Eagles we close to extinction. Populations were decimated by pollution and habitat loss. In 1970 only 4 Bald Eagle nests existed and none produced young. Thanks to legislation that protected Bald Eagles, a cleaner environment, and reintroduction of captive-bred eagles, Bald Eagles have made an amazing comeback. Last summer there were 150 Bald Eagle nests in Ohio. More Bald Eagles are soaring above Ohio today than any time in the last eighty years.

Dates:
June 9 vs Cleveland Indians
June 29 vs St. Louis Cardinals
July 28 vs Chicago Cubs
August 23 vs Atlanta Braves