Auburn University’s bald eagle Spirit named Honorary War Eagle

Auburn University’s bald eagle Spirit has flown alongside the school’s official golden eagles—designated War Eagles—since her first stadium flight in 2002. In recognition of her service and impending retirement, the university’s Board of Trustees passed a resolution Friday naming Spirit an Honorary War Eagle.

“Spirit has been a great icon for Auburn and for wildlife conservation,” said Andrew Hopkins, assistant director of raptor training and education at Auburn’s Southeastern Raptor Center in the College of Veterinary Medicine. “We appreciate the board honoring her among our great tradition of War Eagles.”