4/17/00

Charles Martin, 334/844-3698

On Thursday, April 13, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service ordered that the permit to keep War Eagle VI be transferred from the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity to the Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center, a facility at the College of Veterinary Medicine. The eagle was transferred to the SERRC by FWS officials at approximately 9 a.m.

The Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center and the College of Veterinary Medicine have asked that the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity continue a meaningful role in the care of War Eagle VI, within the constraints of the SERRC according to legal guidelines of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Please note that War Eagle VI does not belong to Auburn University, because federal law does not allow anyone, whether an individual or institution, to own any bird of prey. The FWS, not Auburn University, dictates the terms for permits involving native birds of prey.

The current housing for War Eagle VI, her care, and her chronic health problems are of utmost concern. The bird suffers from recurring "bumblefoot," a chronic foot infection caused by inadequate husbandry practices. The FWS requires, that if the eagle is to remain at Auburn University, it must be housed at the Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Legally, captive birds of prey can only be used for conservation education.

Public viewing and appreciation for War Eagle VI can be continued, but on a regulated basis. Rather than being displayed three or four hours during a football game, the time could possibly be limited to before a game and/or at halftime. She could still be displayed in her current setting, provided improvements are made, on a limited basis.

We have offered:

** A seat on the SERRC advisory board for an APO member selected by
the fraternity.
** A standardized training program for APO members. (One fraternity 
member is already in training at the Raptor Center.)
** That APO would maintain its team that exhibits the bird.
** And there would be certain hours that the bird would be housed on main
campus, but she would be primarily housed and cared for at SERRC.

Much can be accomplished:

**War Eagle VI would be under the care of the nation's foremost raptor center.
** APO would continue to its long-standing tradition with War Eagle VI.
** FWS legal guidelines would be met.

apr00:AU-eagle