The Houston Zoo is home to two remarkable bald eagles, Mae and Sally, who have overcome incredible odds to find a permanent home at the zoo. These magnificent birds, with their distinctive white heads and tails, have captivated visitors with their stories of survival and recovery.

Mae the Bald Eagle: A Winter Storm Survivor

Mae, a bald eagle found by a game warden in Huxley, Texas, during the historic Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, had suffered an open wing fracture. After receiving treatment at Last Chance Forever, a wildlife rehabilitation center, and Angelina Animal Hospital, Mae’s wing injury left her unable to fly, making her unreleasable into the wild. On May 6, 2021, Mae arrived at the Houston Zoo, where she was introduced to her new companion, Sally Ride.

Sally Ride the Bald Eagle: From Tulsa to Houston

Sally Ride, another bald eagle at the Houston Zoo, was found by a game warden in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, with an injured wing. Complications from her injury led to her being unable to fly, and she was subsequently transferred to the Houston Zoo from the Tulsa Zoo.

The Bald Eagle: A Majestic Species

The bald eagle, scientifically known as Haliaeetus leucocephalus, is a symbol of the United States and a native species found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These magnificent birds are known for their distinctive white head and tail, which they develop at around 4-5 years of age. Young bald eagles are all dark with some white mottled feathers in the wings and tail.

Visiting the Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030, and is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during the summer months. Admission prices vary depending on age and residency, but a portion of each admission and membership goes toward protecting animals in the wild.

Supporting Conservation Efforts

By visiting the Houston Zoo, guests contribute to wildlife-saving efforts, ensuring the protection of animals like the bald eagle. The zoo has also partnered with Saint Arnold Brewing Company to create a beer called the Comeback Wit, which honors the bald eagles, whooping cranes, and American alligators that have made remarkable comebacks from near extinction.

Conclusion

The Houston Zoo’s bald eagles, Mae and Sally, are living testaments to the resilience and beauty of these majestic birds. Their stories of survival and recovery inspire visitors to appreciate and support the conservation efforts that protect these iconic species. Whether you’re a seasoned bird enthusiast or a curious explorer, a visit to the Houston Zoo’s Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands exhibit is sure to leave you in awe of these magnificent creatures.

References:
– YouTube Video
– Chron Article
– Houston Zoo Blog
– Houston Zoo Animal Page
– Houston Zoo Exhibit Page