Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
ELYSBURG — A bald eagle that had been at Knoebels Amusement Resort for more than 20 years has died. The death of Henry, who with a second eagle, Hattie, had been at the Northumberland County amusement park since August 2003, was announced Tuesday. The two eagles were rescued after being injured in separate power line accidents in Florida. Henry’s injuries, which included damage to his right wing and leg, prevented him from being returned to the wild. A Knoebel family member’s knowledge of the organization in Florida taking care of the eagles was instrumental in getting them to the park, spokesperson Stacy Yutko said. With permission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service a home was built for Henry and Hattie, she said. The par, offered an educational program there at 10 a.m. daily when Knoebels was open, she said. There was no way to know Henry’s exact age because he had already developed his white head feathers before arriving, Yutko said. Those feathers typically are seen in bald eagle when they are four to six years old. Knoebels attributeed Henry’s long life to the care he received daily. Knoebels said this about Henry, which it said stood as a symbol of strength, survival and the beauty of America’s national bird: “Henry touched the hearts of countless guests and team members over the years, especially those who cared for him each day. “In fact, one of those team members has been caring for him from the start of his time at Knoebels. “His calm presence, alongside Hattie, brought both education and inspiration to visitors young and old. While he may no longer be with us, his impact lives on in the memories of all who admired him. “We will continue to lovingly care for Hattie, Henry’s longtime companion, ensuring her habitat remains peaceful and enriching in his absence.” Knoebels expressed appreciation to the Pennsylvania Raptor & Wildlife Association in Mount Bethel for its support in helping provide a safe and healthy home for the eagles. A former employee reacted to the death announcement by posting on Facebook how he often took his lunch breaks away from the crowds with Henry and Hattie. “It was very relaxing to spend time with such amazing birds,” he wrote.
