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October 11, 2004
Auburn University’s 26-year-old golden eagle Tiger helped Auburn fans celebrate homecoming Oct. 9 as she made her first pregame flight in more than two years.
Tiger, or War Eagle VI, soared about the crowd in Jordan-Hare Stadium prior to Auburn’s football game with Louisiana Tech.
“We are thrilled to have Tiger back,” said AU Interim President Ed Richardson. “We are having a great season and the flight really made our homecoming extra special. Our alumni and fans love these magnificent birds that so greatly represent Auburn and bring awareness to the conservation of birds of prey.”
Tiger is one of three eagles from the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Southeastern Raptor Center that are making appearances this season. Spirit, a 7-year-old bald eagle, has already flown before the LSU and Citadel games, and Nova, a 5-year-old golden eagle, could possibly begin flights later this season.
Tiger started her pregame flights in 2000 and performed in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. She was sidelined during the football season that fall, so Spirit started flying before the games. In 2003 the appearances were temporarily suspended due to illnesses among wild birds at the raptor center.
"For a 26-year-old bird, she is in remarkably good condition and is showing no signs of any previous problems,” said Dr. Ron Montgomery, interim director of the raptor center. “Her right leg does have a recurring benign lump that must be removed from time to time, but she is in great shape now.”
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