AU PRESS RELEASE LEAVES MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS:
FANS CONCERNED ABOUT WAR EAGLE VI SITUATION

On the morning of Thursday, April 13 Auburn’s golden eagle mascot, affectionately known as Tiger, was transported from her large campus aviary into a smaller facility at the Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center. The following Monday, Auburn University released an official statement regarding the move. Supporters of the bird to remain on campus argued the press release was unclear, manipulative, and contained inaccurate information. In addition to the rumors “flying” about concerning War Eagle VI, fans have had a difficult time discerning the truth. To help clarify the matter, the following list gives a detailed description of the known events.

1. Contrary to the press release, the United States Fish and Wildlife Services did not order the permit transfer.

2. The USFWS informally presented former permit holder, Geoff Hill, with “evidence” of alleged permit violations that had been turned in to them by Joe Shelnutt, head of Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Because someone was pressing the issue, USFWS was forced to act. At this time, Hill voluntarily transferred because of his concern for the eagle. The “evidence” was dated back to 1995. Alpha Phi Omega, was not given a chance to comply with any of the alleged violations.

3. Geoff Hill, commented that the violations had only to do with the use of Tiger as a mascot, not with the mistreatment or the health of Tiger. The permit had stated that the bird was only to be used as an educational resource, not a mascot.

4. Contrary to the University press release, this event was not sudden. In a letter written by President Muse, in October of 1999, Muse gave Shelnutt the go-ahead to remove Tiger from campus. Still, no one affiliated with Alpha Phi Omega was notified about the situation until right before the transfer took place.

5. In the University press release, it was stated that Tiger had bumblefoot an infection of her feet, caused by inadequate husbandry practices (meaning that the housing and care for Tiger was inadequate). Tiger had bumblefoot when she arrived on campus and has been seeing officials at SERRC and Auburn veterinarians since arrival. Both Alpha Phi Omega and Shelnutt have stated that the disease had subsided previous to the transfer of the permit.

6. Alpha Phi Omega has always provided care for Tiger free of charge. On the average, APO did 40 free seminars a year to educate the public about eagle awareness. SERRC will now charge to do the same thing, the cost is yet to be specified but other birds cost $100-$250 for a 45 min. appearance. The cost for Tiger will be higher. Admission will also be charged to enter the Raptor Center to see Tiger in the future.

7. The University press release was unclear about APO’s future involvement with Tiger. SERRC has stated that they wish to “absorb” APO into SERRC, by “grandfathering” all of the senior eagle trainers (4) into SERRC’s program, but others will have to go through all of SERRC’s volunteer training program. The same program that you or I would go through. They also stated that Tiger would not be exclusive to Auburn or APO.

8. SERRC is a raptor rehabilitation center geared for the rehabilitation of raptors, not the everyday maintenance of a complete “mascot” program. Their facilities are geared this way too. Tiger’s aviary on campus is the 2nd largest aviary in the nation, second only to one at the San Diego Zoo. Tiger is now being held in a small holding cage for injured raptors. She does not have the privilege of space as she did in her on campus aviary.

There are several “questionable” issues at play here.

Did SERRC want control of Tiger, or were they merely looking out for her best interests?

If SERRC was really concerned for the well-being of Tiger then why was there “evidence” being collected from 1995 without notifying Tiger’s primary handlers. They now say that the reason Tiger has moved is because of security and health issues, however it took them 5 years to reveal this information. It seems like they were more concerned with violations then with the health and care for Tiger.

What exactly were the violations?

This issue is still not completely out in the open, however Hill explained that the alleged violations had to do with the use of Tiger as a mascot and not for educational efforts. Shelnutt was unaware that Alpha Phi Omega had been showing the bird for educational purposes 40 times a year, far above the required 12 to comply with the permit. Nothing has been said to support the rumor that APO was violating the permit in regards to health issues.

Will SERRC be able to take better care of the bird?

This issue of course remains in the air, until there has been a passage of time. However, SERRC and Auburn vets have been responsible for the health of Tiger all along, and it does not seem like any changes in her health care will result from the permit exchange.

Is bumblefoot an issue here?

Tiger had bumblefoot when she arrived here 14 years ago, and a biologist from Sutton Avian Research Center commented that a vast majority of captive raptors get the disease, caused by sitting on the same perches repeatedly.

What is in the best interest of Tiger?

This of course is left up to you to decide, however, her old campus aviary is the 2nd largest aviary in the nation and she currently resides in a holding cage. If SERRC really wants what is best for the eagle then why not do this: Return Tiger to her aviary, for this would limit the constant need to transport her and limit possible injury. Alpha Phi Omega could still maintain the cage and monitor everyday activities. However, SERRC could maintain the permit and immediately care for any illness. Both parties would be involved and Tiger could receive the best care, while Alpha Phi Omega continued their long standing tradition of maintaining the bird.