Meeting Challenger by Kim Chiswell

 

 

Twelve years ago Nigel visited a pub in Gatlinburg, TN that specialized in English beers and English food. On a recent trip we decided to find this pub again. It was down a side road and then a dirt road and on the second floor of what looked like someone's house. The Fox and Parrot was a great little pub once we got inside but there were only 3 other people there besides us and the bartender. We started chatting with the only other person at the bar. Who knew that the question "What do you do?" asked of us would lead to such an incredible experience? The gentleman we were talking to was a man by the name of Al and he mentioned that he too was involved in rescues; bird of prey rescues. As the conversation progressed he later informed us that he was Al Cecere, the founder and president of The American Eagle Foundation. They are a national organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the United States' symbol, the Bald Eagle, and its habitats and they also operate a bird of prey show at Dollywood. By the end of the conversation we were invited to join him for a private tour of their off-site rehabilitation center the following day.

 

The next morning we were very excited to be granted such an honor. We were shown the Bald Eagles that were being rehabilitated for release back to the wild and permanently disabled Eagles that were breeders. Their chicks were later released into the wild. Before these chicks are released families of fallen soldiers were able to give each one a name that represents that soldier. There was another building with a variety of birds of prey that are used for education. Behind the building was a very young wild Bald Eagle with a crooked beak. Its top mandible was off to the side such that he would not be able to survive in the wild. This was a birth defect that was due to some type of environmental contaminants. Nigel and I were ushered inside to a long corridor. We were given our own private free flight demonstration of Challenger, their Bald Eagle, that's used in many demonstrations worldwide including at major football games while the National Anthem is played. This majestic flight took our breath away. The power and beauty of this animal was absolutely incredible.

 

After our own free flight demonstration we were taken to the Dollywood site and not only got to see the stage set up but got to visit with some of the birds behind the scenes that are used in the show. We got a training demonstration with a Raven and a Pied Crow. The Raven was so smart that he was definitely trying to train his trainer instead of the other way around. The crow was almost as intelligent and I got to work through a few of his trained behaviors. He is trained to take money from people as a donation and put it in a box designed for him. I'm used to primates being incredibly intelligent but it was a whole different experience to get that from a bird.

 

When we arrived we expected a short tour that would last maybe an hour or two. Over four hours later the plans we had for the rest of the day had to be cancelled but we were more than happy to do that. We are very grateful to have received this experience of a lifetime and it all happened by running into a man at an English pub in Tennessee.

 

If you would like more information on the American Eagle Foundation and Challenger's flight's, click on the link below.

 

 

  

  

Coming Events

 

September 21^st                 Adopt-a-Highway           

Join us to help keep our environment clean. We start at 10:00 am and will be cleaning up a section of Hwy 183 in Easley. It usually takes about 2 hours.  Let us know if you would like to participate.

September 29^th                 Volunteer Work Day      

We will be working all day on projects so any volunteers (new or current) are encouraged to come out for at least part of the day to help out.  Let us know if you would like to participate.

October 13^th                       Volunteer Work Day

Work day number two. There will be a lot to get done before our open house and need all the help we can get.  Let us know if you would like to participate.

October 26^th                       Adventure Day Open House

It's our semi-annual event with a Halloween Theme.  Click Here for more details. 

November 2^nd                   Jeep-In by Upstate Legends                      

Tentatively scheduled. Upstate Legends Jeep Club will be hosting a Jeep-In to benefit Safe Haven & Educational Adventures. More details to come at a later date.

November 17^th                  Nature Hike

We will be leading a hike through Station Cove Falls starting at 10:00 am for anyone interested in observing local flora and fauna. Those attending are requested to bring a bag lunch and to please leave all canine friends at home so as to not scare away the wildlife we will be looking for.  Let us know if you would like to participate.

 

  

       

 

Safe Haven is run completely by volunteers and 100% of your donation goes towards animals and education.  By partnering with us, you are not only saving neglected and abused animals, but you are reaching children and adults with positive, educational information!

 

 

  

Safe Haven & Educational Adventures, Inc.is a

a federally registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization offering apermanent refuge for rescued exotic wildlife that have either been abandoned, abused, lost their home through death of the owner, or found to be more than the owners can handle. We are an organization dedicated to rescuing exotic animals and unwanted and neglected exotic pets.  We are dedicated to helping to preserve species, educate the public, and conserve the habitats these beautiful animals live in.

 

We are solely supported by the donations of people like YOU!

 

  Your donations make it possible  

for us to educate children and adults about  

our amazing world of unique animals and provide precious exotic species a forever home!

 

We thank you for your generous support! 

  

Safe Haven & Educational Adventures, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization.