Get up close and personal with bald eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, falcons, and even corvids! American Eagle Foundation is a nonprofit sanctuary to over 40+ non-releasable raptors. Housed in the nation's largest aviaries, our avian fleet inspires our community to join us in protecting the bald eagle and all birds of prey. Book a guided tour to visit these stunning birds and hear their incredible stories.
American Eagle Foundation's new campus is housed on 57 spacious acres in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Here, family fun takes flight. Fall in love with our charismatic avian ambassadors, frolic like a falcon on the Raptor's Roost Playscape, or measure your wingspan in our stunning raptor museum. There's so much to do and discover!
American Eagle Foundation's spacious facility allows us to connect with our community like never before. Beyond our guided tours, you can also reserve our space for field trips, special events, company meetings, annual conferences, or even birthday parties. Proceeds directly benefit our conservation efforts...and the care of the resident raptors that are sure to make your event an unforgettable experience.
We are looking for passionate people who want to make a difference for birds of prey through education, conservation, and protection.
If you’re someone who thrives in a mission-driven environment and wants to help inspire the next generation of wildlife advocates, we’d love to hear from you.
Get more information at eagles.org/apply
Now that’s what we call a cool team. 😎
Our board members are out here making sure our birds can stay cool this summer! ☀️🦅
They spent time helping install shade cloth around our aviaries to keep our resident birds cooler during the summer heat. We’re thankful for board members who roll up their sleeves and help wherever needed!
Over the years, American Eagle Foundation has released almost 200 bald eagles and countless other rehabbed and rescued birds of prey back into the wild. This video shows just a handful of these success stories. We would prefer our job wasn't necessary, and that all of these beautiful birds were filling the skies. But for those that can't be rereleased we give them an amazing life at our headquarters in Kodak Tennessee where you can visit and take a tour to see them. Visit eagles.org to schedule your visit to get up close and personal and begin or enhance your passion for protecting these amazing birds and conserving their natural habitat.#americaneaglefoundation #educate #aefeagles #conserve #protect #MakeADifference
Updated sightings
Wesley has recently been spotted in the Pigeon Forge area.
Rockland has been spotted off Tazewell Pike in Knox County. While this is a considerable distance from Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, we believe he was able to travel that far by utilizing thermal updrafts often used by migrating and traveling birds. These rising columns of warm air allow birds to travel long distances without excessive flapping or expending large amounts of energy.
Both birds have previous injuries that limit their overall flight capabilities and ability to survive long-term without human care.
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.
Search and recovery operations require specialized resources. Individuals wishing to support these ongoing efforts may make a donation at:
/donate
We sincerely appreciate the continued support, patience, and vigilance from the community as we work to safely bring Rockland and Wesley home.
May the Fourth Be With You!
Ways of the Raptor Jedi
Our ambassador birds may not carry lightsabers… but they do remind us how powerful wildlife can be.
Which bird do you think would make the best Jedi?
Rockland and Wesley are still missing following storm damage at Eagle Mountain Sanctuary.
Recent sightings place the eagles in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg areas. Because both birds have previous wing and shoulder injuries that limit their flight capabilities, it is important that they are safely recovered as quickly as possible.
Rockland
Male bald eagle
Orange leg band
Wesley
Female bald eagle
Black leg band (note: Her band is much smaller and might be harder to see)
If you spot either eagle:
Do not approach the birds
Do not feed the birds
Do not chase or attempt to capture the birds
Observe only from a safe distance
Anyone who spots a bald eagle matching these descriptions is asked to contact the American Eagle Foundation immediately at:
865-429-0157
If possible, provide:
Exact location
Time of sighting
Photos or video taken from a safe distance
Search and recovery operations require extensive staffing, equipment, transportation, and specialized animal care resources. Individuals wishing to support these ongoing efforts may make a donation at:
/donate
We sincerely appreciate the continued support from our community as we work to safely bring Rockland and Wesley home.
Thank you for helping us search for Rockland!
We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support and the many calls we’ve received. Sightings have been reported in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area, and our team is actively following up.
If you spot Rockland, please do not approach or attempt to feed him.
Call us immediately at 865-429-0157 with any information.
Your support is making a difference, please keep the reports coming.
FOUND: Caesar is home!
Caesar was recovered this evening and positively identified by his orange leg band marked “SE.”
Because of your calls, messages, and watchful eyes, we were able to locate him. This is what a community of friends looks like!!❤️
And a huge shoutout to Towe for stepping in and bringing Ceasar home!
Thank you all for showing up for him.
And now, let’s bring home Rockland and Wesley!
Enjoy 30 seconds of bird playtime!
Enrichment is very important for animals in human care. Here at American Eagle Foundation our birds are given a variety of enrichment options. This enrichment is important in improving mental stimulation, maintaining natural hunting instincts, supporting physical health and preventing boredom.
Enrichment is essential for birds of prey in a sanctuary because captivity—even in a well-run facility—limits the natural behaviors they rely on to stay physically and mentally healthy. Even flight training is a form of enrichment. Without enrichment, a sanctuary may keep a bird alive—but not truly thriving.
