Two decades ago a baby Bald Eagle was hatched in his mother's nest down in Louisiana. At five weeks old this adorable hatchling was just sitting in his nest minding his own business and waiting for his mother to return with some food. All of a sudden the winds picked up and he could feel his nest rattle and shake high up in the tree he and his family called home. The tree was being shaken so hard, the little guy's nest began to fall apart from the powerful wind of the tropical storm to hit the coast. This poor little five-week old eaglet was snatched from his nest by a whirling wind and off he went, tumbling through the air taking his first flight, but he somehow managed to survive this traumatic whirlwind flight, landing somewhere far away from home, dazed and confused he knew not where.
Some good Samaritans happened upon the dazed little eagle, rescued him from his plight and nursed him back to health. His miraculous tale of survival and rescue set his fate, earning him the name "Challenger", after the space shuttle crew who didn't have a chance at survival. Because he was hand-raised and because of the human contact he has become a "non-releasable" bird of prey, thereby setting his now-famous lifestyle.
 Challenger's story is one of hope, honor, glory and majesty as the ambassador representing all members of his species, and the United States. Being the proud, and living, symbol of freedom in America since 1991, Challenger has become quite the celebrity as the very first Bald Eagle in American history to be trained to "free-fly". In that role, he has flown with the "Star-Spangled Banner" playing the music for his flight, flying high overhead of the crowds gathered for sporting or other special events in arenas or stadiums. He has also has made appearances on several television shows and networks, including FOX News channel and CNN. He has also made appearances with Donald Trump, Dolly Parton, as well as several other "people" celebrities.  Challenger resides at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in between his booking engagements, and is also the headliner in the "Wings of America" theater at Dollywood, sharing the spotlight with a variety of hawks, owls and falcons. Where Challenger lives is the largest Eagle Sanctuary in the country with an emphasis on preserving the once-endangered Bald Eagle species, along with other predatory raptors. This Eagle Sanctuary has had the goal of the preservation of the Bald Eagle, and are proud to proclaim they have released 12,000 pairs back to their natural habitat...many in the Pigeon Forge area.
Challenger is a true American success story: He has risen from his humble beginnings in that nest in Louisiana and being homeless to his celebrity status in his important role as "Ambassador" today. When he flies now, it's on his own wings flying high over a crowd who can all look to the sky with pride at this magnificent American icon flying free.
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