Auburn eagle Independence flying to Philadelphia for America 250 celebration
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A bald eagle named Independence at Independence Hall on Independence Day. There may not be a better way than that to celebrate America 250.
The Auburn University eagle is headed to Philadelphia to feature in the national celebration, marking the bird’s second trip to the City of Brotherly Love. Independence also did her signature pregame flight for a Philadelphia Eagles game in 2023.
But this trip won’t be about football.
Keep reading to learn more about Indy’s travel + find out why Auburn is giving a public notice for any passengers taking the same flight.
Independence starring in America 250 celebration
(Molly Bartels / AU Photographic Services)
Independence, the Auburn University Raptor Center’s bald eagle ambassador, will be flying to Philadelphia this week to take part in the city’s celebration at the historic Independence Hall.
The bird, along with members of the AURC staff, will be in Philadelphia for the America 250 Time Capsule dedication + burial on the morning of July 4.
“It means so much being able to bring Independence to Independence Hall. There’s a certain poetry to celebrating the 25 anniversary of the eagle flight tradition and it being so short ahead of America’s 250 birthday.”
Dr. Robyn Miller, Auburn University Raptor Center director
People at the event will have the opportunity to pose for photos with Indy + interact with AURC staff members at Independence Mall to learn more about the eagle.
Independence serves as an ideal guest for the occasion given the bald eagle’s symbolic significance to the United States. On June 20, 1782, the Second Continental Congress selected the bald eagle to be the centerpiece of the Great Seal of the United States.
Traveling with Independence? Bring some ear plugs
The university wanted to make sure passengers who may be flying to Philadelphia later this week came prepared to share a cabin with Independence.
While Auburn says she is typically quiet in flight, passengers may hear a couple of screeches from the bird who will be taking up two seats on the plane.
Independence will fly coach, sitting in a large carrier case that will be strapped into a pair of seats in coach alongside AURC staff members. The crew will be on a Delta flight from Atlanta to Philadelphia on July 3.
While the AURC conducts approximately 300 educational programs each year, out of state travel with a bald eagle involves considerable planning. Those steps include:
- State and federal permitting
- Coordination with USDA
- University Animal Care and Use (IACUC) approval
Since bald eagles cannot be checked as luggage or stored in an overhead bin, airline travel also necessitates advance communication with the TSA. Tray tables will remain in the upright and locked position on the row where Independence is seated.
“The airlines call passengers ‘souls.’ Indy constitutes two souls because she takes up two seats. She is larger than life – one soul on each wing.”
Dr. Robyn Miller, Auburn University Raptor Center director
Bald eagle conservation at Auburn Raptor Center
Auburn officials believe Independence’s trip to the national stage will be about more than just a photo-op. Auburn wants to showcase how bald eagle conservation is at the center of the celebration.
In Alabama, records suggest bald eagles did not successfully nest in the state from 1949-1991.
Thanks to strict legal protections and habitat conservation, the national population has rebounded to more than 71,000 breeding pairs. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources began eagle restoration efforts in 1984 and has since documented more than 100 nests within the state.
While the bald eagle was long assumed to be the official national bird, its status wasn’t codified until the U.S. Senate passed legislation in July 2024.
“Bald eagles are one of the greatest conservation success stories in our history. But our work as stewards of our native wildlife is far from over. As this country looks forward to the next 250 years, I think it’s important to remember how precious our flora and fauna are. Having Independence there at the burial of the time capsule seems to be a great way of ensuring that dialogue continues.”
Dr. Robyn Miller, Auburn University Raptor Center director
