Georgia Southern's cherished mascot, Freedom, is hitting a milestone. Today, January 4, 2024, he turns 20 years old!
A message from the Georgia Southern Center for Wildlife Education:
We invite you to be a part of this special occasion by contributing to the Center for Wildlife Education in Freedom’s honor.
It's essential to remember that Freedom's impact extends far beyond his role as a beloved mascot. His presence on campus has enriched the lives of countless students of all ages, creating cherished memories and forging stronger connections within our vibrant community.
The Story of Freedom
The image depicts Georgia Southern University’s Bald Eagle named “Freedom.” Freedom is a male Southern Bald Eagle that was found knocked out of the nest in Maitland, FL.
Only weeks old and appearing like a “brown ball of fuzz”, it was discovered that the young eagle had an injury to its beak and suffered from an infection. Rushed to the Florida Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, Freedom made a complete recovery from the infection but the injury to the beak was permanent, preventing his release into the wild.
With the permission of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Georgia Southern University acquired Freedom in 2004. Today, Freedom serves not only as an ambassador for wildlife and as an institutional symbol, but as an “iconic reminder” of the strength and majesty of our great nation.
Through the Georgia Southern University Center for Wildlife Education and Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center, thousands of visitors young and old are embraced by the Power of Freedom.
