Sunday, November 9, 2008

Symbols or America

The Jacksonville Zoo has two American Bald Eagles that were rescued and can no longer fly by special permit - you must have the approval of the American government in order to have Bald Eagles in captivity.  These two would not survive in the wild due to past injuries. 

In the United States possession of even a feather from a Bald Eagle is punishable by a $10,000 fine and/or up to 10 years in prison.  Native Americans are permitted to have them in order to continue with their religious practices.
"Bald" is not intended to mean "without hair"; rather, "balde" was an Old English word meaning "white" and refers to the white feathers on the head, wings, and tail - so they are could be more accurately named "White Eagles" instead of Bald Eagles.

You can read more about them on the zoo's website: http://www.jaxzoo.org/animals/biofacts/BaldEagle.asp

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