The American Eagle Foundation is consolidating its avian operations. Bald eagles previously housed at the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary within Dollywood have moved to a permanent location on the foundation’s 50-acre campus in Kodak, Tennessee. This shift follows temporary housing arrangements necessitated by storm damage earlier this year. The transition marks a logistical evolution for a partnership that has shaped wildlife education in the region for more than three decades.
Thirty-Five Years of Conservation Work
Launched in 1991, the collaboration between Dollywood and the American Eagle Foundation focused on public education and rehabilitation. Over the course of thirty-five years, the foundation successfully released more than 400 bald eagles back into the wild. This work earned the organization significant professional recognition, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Conservation Award in 2007. The initial sanctuary served as a primary platform to demonstrate the mechanics of conservation to millions of park visitors.
Lori Moore, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Eagle Foundation, addressed the change in an official statement. She noted that the Kodak facility provides the necessary space to grow the mission and maintain a standard of care for the birds. Moore emphasized that the move allows the organization to centralize its conservation and educational initiatives. She also stated, “As we look to the future, our Kodak campus gives us an exciting opportunity to build upon that legacy.”
The Future of Public Education
While the permanent residency of the eagles shifts to the Kodak campus, the public interaction model remains present at the theme park. Guests will still find birds of prey through the organization’s ongoing program at the Wings of America Theater. This arrangement ensures that the educational outreach to tourists remains consistent despite the administrative changes at the sanctuary. The theater serves as a bridge for the foundation, keeping the public engaged with the recovery of these raptors.
Eugene Naughton, the President of Dollywood Parks and Resorts, reaffirmed the commitment to the partnership. He stated, “We’re incredibly proud of what this partnership has accomplished. We look forward to continuing our work together.” The park intends to maintain its influence in conservation messaging through the Birds of Prey program. This continuity is a priority for the leadership team as they adjust their operational footprint.
Evolution of the Kodak Facility
The American Eagle Foundation originally opened its Kodak site in 2023. This facility was designed to offer better infrastructure for bird protection, medical recovery, and specialized research compared to smaller enclosures. With the official closure of the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, the organization is directing its full focus toward the larger campus. This change represents a shift from public-facing exhibition to a model grounded in dedicated wildlife management and rehabilitation.
Industry observers note that these moves often reflect the changing needs of conservation groups. Maintaining high-quality veterinary and habitat standards requires space that theme parks cannot always provide on a permanent basis. The foundation now operates with a clearer separation between its exhibition programs and its primary care facility. The broader objective remains the survival and health of the North American bald eagle population. Officials anticipate that the consolidation will allow for more efficient use of resources as the foundation plans for future decades of operation in East Tennessee.