Dollywood Bald Eagle Exhibit | Permanent Move Explained

Relocation of Eagle Sanctuary

The bald eagles previously housed at the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood will be moved permanently to the American Eagle Foundation headquarters in Kodak. This attraction at the theme park had served as the largest exhibit of non-releasable bald eagles in the United States. The nonprofit organization decided on this change following storm damage sustained by the sanctuary earlier this year.

Before this permanent move, the birds were already residing at the foundation’s 50-acre facility in Kodak. This site opened in 2023. Guests at Dollywood can still view bald eagles and other raptors through the park's existing Birds of Prey program at the Wings of America Theater. Park management stated that they intend to continue their partnership to support conservation.

History and Scope of the Partnership

The Eagle Mountain Sanctuary began operation at the theme park in 1991. Over the course of the last 35 years, this collaboration between the park and the American Eagle Foundation has resulted in the release of more than 400 bald eagles back into the wild. The foundation manages the care, rehabilitation, and education programs for these raptors.

Eugene Naughton, the president of Dollywood Parks and Resorts, emphasized the longevity of the project. He noted that the partnership has allowed millions of guests to learn about these animals. The shift in location allows the foundation to consolidate its care and education efforts on one campus. This operational change should allow the nonprofit to focus its resources on its specific conservation goals.

The Broader Context of Raptor Conservation

The movement of these birds signifies a shift toward dedicated conservation facilities rather than theme park exhibits. The 50-acre campus in Kodak serves as an education hub, replacing the previous temporary measures taken after the storm. By centralizing operations, the American Eagle Foundation can monitor the health and needs of the non-releasable population more effectively.

Industry observers suggest this model reflects a growing trend in wildlife management where educational programs and sanctuary operations are separated. While visitors will miss the original exhibit, the foundation expects the new, larger campus to provide better access to educational information regarding raptor protection. The focus now shifts toward the long-term viability of the foundation's independent operations in Sevier County.