The Birmingham Zoo Celebrates the Life of Camilla, the American Bald Eagle

The Birmingham Zoo celebrates the life of Camilla, an approximately 34- year-old American bald eagle, who passed away. Camilla’s health rapidly declined on October 23, and she passed away later that evening. It is estimated that Camilla was born in the wild around 1980. She came to the Birmingham Zoo in June, 1985 and underwent rehabilitation after she was found injured from a gunshot wound in the wild in Florida. Camilla lived in the Birmingham Zoo’s Alabama Wilds area with Gonzo, the Zoo’s male American bald eagle, who is also an injury-rehabbed bird. Camilla liked to eat fish, and she also enjoyed taking baths and playing in her pool. She weighed 10 pounds and was 3 feet tall. Guests could identify Camilla because of her large size. Camilla and Gonzo produced nine offspring, five of which were released into the wild. One of their female offspring was seen in the wild in Virginia and is observed as a reproducing female.

The American bald eagle is the United States national symbol. Distinguished by a white head and white tail feathers, American bald eagles are powerful, brown birds that may weigh up to 14 pounds and have a wingspan of around 8 feet. After facing extinction in the 1940s, several efforts were made throughout the United States to save the American bald eagle, including being listed on the Endangered Species Act. Thanks to these efforts, on June 28, 2007, the American bald eagle was removed from the list of Threatened and Endangered Species. The American bald eagle is still protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Both laws prohibit killing, selling or otherwise harming eagles, their nests, or eggs.

Approximately 950 animals of 230 species call the Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, zebras, rhinos and endangered species from six continents. The Birmingham Zoo is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Regular admission is $15* for adults and $10* for senior citizens and children ages 2-12 (*Price not including tax). All Birmingham Zoo Members and children under twoyears-old receive free admission.

Press Release