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

The Birmingham Zoo celebrates the life of Gonzo, an approximately 34- year-old American bald eagle, who passed away January 15, 2015.

It is estimated that Gonzo was born in the wild around 1980. Gonzo’s health declined due to age related complications and was monitored very closely over the last few weeks. He came to the Birmingham Zoo on February 26, 1985 and underwent rehabilitation for injuries sustained in the wild in Seattle, Washington, where he was found caught in a fishing line. Gonzo lived in the Birmingham Zoo’s Predator Building before moving into the Alabama Wilds area upon its completion in 2005. Gonzo liked to eat fish, and would often let his mate, Camilla, who passed away in October 2014, have access to the food she wanted before eating any himself. Gonzo was known to occasionally spend time in his pool. He weighed 7 pounds and was 2 ½ feet tall. 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