Auburn’s Independence to have another day in Philadelphia

Auburn University’s bald eagle, Independence, will soon embark on a return flight to Philadelphia — a trip that marks a heightened relationship between Auburn and the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.

On Sunday, Independence, or “Indy” as she’s nicknamed, will once again wow the Philadelphia Eagles crowd with a flight at Lincoln Financial Field during the National Anthem and before the team’s noon CST kickoff vs. the Washington Commanders. Another return flight will occur Oct. 22 before the team’s 7:20 p.m. CST matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

“We agreed to a few flights for this season to gauge the process and the fit between the two organizations,” said Wade Stevens, director of the Auburn University Raptor Center. “We are truly enjoying working with the Eagles staff, and I believe they are pleased with our performance. We hope this is the beginning of a long-term agreement to provide their fans with a unique and educational experience.”

Sunday’s flight at the Eagles’ stadium will mark the second such occasion following a Sept. 14 Eagles match vs. the Minnesota Vikings in which Indy surprised Philadelphia and Auburn fans alike with a special pregame flight that made the rounds on social media that night following the game.

“We were welcomed with open arms, and everyone was so helpful,” Stevens said. “We didn’t know what to expect from their fan base, but they did not disappoint. Whether they cheered for the eagle as a representative of their team or in support of the beautiful symbol of our nation soaring during the anthem, the roar of the crowd was unmistakable.

“I am really looking forward to their fans developing a first-name relationship with Indy and embracing her and all that she represents.”

With the flight being a pregame festivity, it doesn’t typically broadcast live on the game’s televised spot, but Stevens said a recording of the flight often shows up somewhere in the broadcast of the game and, of course, later on Philadelphia’s and Auburn’s social media channels.

The flight in the stadium, he said, is something Indy is well equipped to accomplish, noting how she has been abundantly trained through her routine flights at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium — where she flies pregame before every home football game.

“The training and transport associated with these activities provides the foundation for Indy’s preparedness for venues like Philly,” Stevens said. “Repetition is the key. She is well trained and very responsive to ques, making her an ideal bird for these flights.”

And while getting to Philadelphia is a much longer trip for Indy than the drive to Jordan-Hare, Indy performs well when flying in a different capacity — that of a commercial airline.

“As Indy is very accustomed to carrier transport, she travels well and typically has little to no complaints,” Stevens said.

That said, a good deal of preparation goes into the travel process before Indy hits the sky. Various regulatory approvals and permits must be acquired, and special arrangements are made with the involved airline, the Transportation Security Administration, the hotel where she’ll be staying and much more.

Once those details are set, Indy’s bags are packed and she, along with her Auburn University Raptor Center handlers, head to the airport. Indy must go through a process somewhat similar to that of most travelers — having her own boarding pass and going through a security check (where she is removed from her carrier) and ultimately taking her rest in two seats on the plane to accommodate her with enough space while she’s in the carrier. The raptor center team, along with Indy, boards the plane first and deplanes last.

“It feels like you’re in an entourage and Indy is the rock star as you’re wheeling her and her bags through the airport,” Stevens said. “She gets to excite any travelers in the vicinity of our special TSA checkpoint when she is removed from her carrier to allow for the required security checks.

“This results in a flurry of camera flashes and video lights illuminating along with a collective ‘ooh, ahh,’ only furthering the entourage feeling.”

Upon arrival, Indy is then transported to a large van, which then travels to the hotel. On the first trip to Philadelphia, Indy and the raptor center team were escorted to the Eagles facility, and Indy flew several times each practice day in the lead-up to the game.

Ultimately, amid the exposure on a national stage, the raptor center’s goal is to raise awareness of raptor conservation.

“We know from our years of Auburn pre-game flights that these experiences do translate into action and increased support for our mission,” Stevens said. “The opportunity to do this on a larger scale was an easy decision. We anticipate additional interest and hope to make this part of our routine educational presentation services.”