KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Challenger, a bald eagle ambassador from the American Eagle Foundation, will undergo cataract surgery on June 18. The foundation said the eagle would undergo surgery at the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine.
It said Challenger was blown from his nest in 1989 and some well-meaning people cared for him. It said he imprinted on people and could not be released, so authorities took him to the foundation.
The foundation said he started helping educate people about bald eagles. He was trained to free fly, soaring over a variety of events at Neyland Stadium. However, he retired from free-flighted programs because of the onset of cataracts in 2019. Eagles heavily rely on their vision, and cataracts could severely impact their quality of life, the foundation said.
"Just like humans, animals can also develop cataracts. Over time, these cataracts have gradually impacted Challenger’s day-to-day quality of life," the foundation said on social media.
It said he was evaluated at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine and was a viable candidate for the procedure. However, there are still risks involved.
"However, all indications suggest that this surgery is a necessary step in safeguarding Challenger's continued quality of life," the foundation said on social media.
It said more information would be available in the afternoon after Challenger's surgery.