A New Approach for an Old Eagle Ambassador

Turtle Bay Exploration Park recently acquired a non-releasable Golden eagle who had already been trained as an ambassador for 25 years. Not responding well to older methods using a glove, a new approach was taken to increase his welfare and give him a second chance.

Denali had his left wing shattered at the elbow from a banding accident 25 years ago and has no flight. Being so young, he also became imprinted. For all these years he was presented as an ambassador on a glove as is typically done. Being an imprint, he only worked well for one person and showed aggression to most others.

Denali takes the stage for the very first time.

Stepping out of the box, we decided to use Choice and Control and let Denali lead his training. Since he wanted no part of the glove, we used stations and stumps that he is comfortable with and are now training him to walk around the Park with no equipment. Training a stop cue and bringing on many trainers at once has significantly decreased his aggression, increased his voluntary participation and increased his welfare.

Denali demonstrating his stop cue.