Challenger is a non-releasable bald eagle in the care of the non-profit American Eagle Foundation. He is the first bald eagle in history trained to free fly into major sporting events during the national anthem.
In a storm in 1989, Challenger was blown from his nest as an eaglet and hand raised by humans. During his early years, he experienced too much human contact and imprinted on his human handlers. Two unsuccessful release attempts resulted in Challenger almost dying and eventually being handed over to the Federal authorities. Authorities have since given Challenger to the American Eagle Foundation for care and educational programs. Challenger is named in honor of the space shuttle crew, who were killed when it disintegrated shortly after launch. No future attempts to release Challenger will be made because, unfortunately, he thinks he's a human.
Challenger has been an ambassador for his species since 1993. He has raised a great level of public awareness for the habitat destruction of the bald eagle. Since he is so widely recognized, Challenger is noted as a large factor in the bald eagle being taken off the Endangered Species List.
MLB World Series - 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
NFL Pro Bowl - 2002, 2003, 2004
Fiesta Bowl - 1999, 2013
Men's Final Four - 2005
NCAA College Football National Championship - 2011, 2017
Daytona 500 - 2015
Army-Tulane Football Game - 2015
Arizona Cardinals-San Francisco 49ers Football Game - 2016
Atlanta Braves
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1996 Paralympics
Disney's Animal Kingdom Grand Opening
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White House ceremonies
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Ceremony delisting the bald eagle as an endangered species
2007 Texas vs. Oklahoma State football game
We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, January 18, 2009
October 2, 2010, Boston College vs. Notre Dame Football Game
May 19, 2014, Boston College Commencement ceremony
Horatio Alger Association Award Ceremony 2014
