War Eagles of the Past

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War Eagles of the Past: A brief history of Auburn's high-flying tradition

Updated February 24, 2017 Posted February 24, 2017

Eagles have been associated with Auburn University for more than 100 years. Although the origin of the battle cry "War Eagle" is somewhat hazy, the birds of prey themselves and the mission to preserve their future are very real. From a static presence on the sidelines of football games to rousing flights over the field, the eagles have become an Auburn icon. 

It started in the mid-1970’s with six injured birds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service brought the birds to the College of Veterinary Medicine and asked Dr. Jimmy Milton for help. Milton founded the Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center, now a rehabilitation hub for the Southeast, according to the Auburn University website. 

By Julie Bennett

A Tradition is Born

Although she wasn't the first eagle to call Auburn home, she was the first to take flight in Jordan-Hare Stadium before a football game. War Eagle VI, also known as Tiger, made her first free flight  before the Wyoming game on Aug. 31, 2000, according the the Auburn University website.

Photo: War Eagle VI flies over the crowd before the start of the Auburn vs Alabama game Nov. 17, 2001. (News staff/Mark Almond)

MARK ALMOND

Trained to Be a Star

Auburn's most famous eagle was hatched in captivity in 1980 and came to live at Auburn University in 1986, according to the university website. (Photo: Steve Barnette)

Julie Bennett | jbennett@al.com

Last Flight of War Eagle VI

Tiger, or War Eagle VI, a 26-year-old Golden Eagle, flew for the last time Nov. 11, 2006, before the Georgia at Auburn football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Tiger was retired at halftime during a ceremony that recognized her contributions to the Auburn community. (Photo by News Staff Photo/Frank Couch)

Frank Couch