Congrats to "Tiger"

[MDM4AU 336]

I just came across this. Did anyone else know about this?

Golden eagle Tiger inducted into Alabama Animal Hall of Fame

Auburn University's golden eagle Tiger was one of three remarkable animals inducted into the Alabama Animal Hall of Fame on Jan. 29 in Huntsville.

The 26-year-old eagle that has represented Auburn's school spirit since 1986 joined the class of 2005 along with Jack Tipp, a dog that saved his owner's life, and the deceased Miss Baker, the first monkey sent into space in 1959.

The black-tie induction ceremony, held at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, was a benefit event for the Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation, part of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association which sponsors the hall of fame.

"Tiger has brought much joy to Auburn fans throughout the years, and, most importantly, is a great messenger for wildlife conservation," said AU Interim President Ed Richardson. "We are very honored that she has been inducted."

Officially named War Eagle VI, Tiger won a place in the hearts of college football fans across the country in 2000 as she began her gracefully flights before each home game. In 2002 she flew during the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Her role at Auburn is to help promote wildlife conservation as a part of the educational efforts of College of Veterinary Medicine's Southeastern Raptor Center, where she is housed by permission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"She makes appearances throughout the year at elementary schools and conservation events across the Southeast," said Dr. Jamie Bellah, raptor center director. "The kids' eyes really light up when they see her."

The Fish and Wildlife Service rescued Tiger in the mid-1980s from an illegal breeding operation in Missouri and placed her briefly in a rehabilitation facility in Kentucky, before transferring her to Auburn.

http://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/index.pl/news/tigerhall

[quietfan 233]

Heck, I didn't even know there was an Alabama Animal Hall of Fame, much less who's in it.

[MDM4AU 336]

Heck, I didn't even know there was an Alabama Animal Hall of Fame, much less who's in it.

154133[/snapback]

That makes two of us!