Resident Eagles
Two resident Bald Eagles who cannot return to the wild due to permanent injuries call Christine's Critters home.
Through their stories, our eagles inspire people everywhere to cherish wildlife and protect it for generations to come.
Our Resident Eagles are housed under lawful permits issued by:
United States Fish and Wildlife Service : Eagle Exhibition Permit
United States Department of Agriculture : Class C Exhibitor
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection : Possession Permit
Bald Eagle
Aurora
One Eagle’s Journey to Inspire Millions
Aurora’s life changed when she was struck by a truck on a Missouri interstate, leaving her with severe wing fractures that ended her ability to fly. After months of treatment at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center in Quincy, Illinois, it became clear she could not be released. After years of waiting for placement, Aurora found her permanent home at Christine’s Critters in 2016.
Though cautious at first, she showed remarkable strength and trust. Over time, she became one of our most beloved ambassadors, helping people understand the challenges Bald Eagles face and the importance of protecting them. Through both in-person programs and online outreach, Aurora has reached millions with her story of survival and resilience.
Aurora’s presence is especially meaningful because Bald Eagles were once nearly extinct due to the pesticide DDT. Her resilience is a reminder of how far conservation has come and how important it remains today. She stands as a living symbol of second chances and continues to inspire future generations to value and protect wildlife.
Bald Eagle
Aquila
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Teaching Hunters and Anglers to Get the Lead Out
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Aquila was banded as a chick in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, in 2004, making her one of the oldest ambassadors at Christine’s Critters. In 2018, she was found along the Farmington River in Barkhamsted after being struck by a car and suffering from lead poisoning. Exhausted and unable to fly, she was rescued and given urgent care, but the damage was permanent.
Lead exposure left her with neurological impairment and a drooping wing, making release impossible. Aquila is now a permanent resident at Christine’s Critters.
As an exhibit-only bird, she does not participate in glove programs, but her story is shared through tours, online outreach, and educational programs. She helps raise awareness about the dangers of lead ammunition and fishing tackle, which continue to threaten Bald Eagles and other raptors.
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​Eagles and other raptors are poisoned when they scavenge the remains of animals shot with lead ammunition or consume fish caught with lead tackle. Even tiny fragments left in a gut pile or carcass can be deadly, as their digestive systems break down the metal and allow it to enter the bloodstream. Once lead is in the body, it causes severe neurological damage, paralysis, and often death. Aquila’s story shows just how urgent it is to “get the lead out” for the health of all wildlife.
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