People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals isn't happy with Auburn University.
In a letter to the Montgomery Advertiser, Lindsay Pollard-Post, staff writer for PETA, said Auburn should cease its eagle flyover ceremony.
"In light of Spirit's disturbing accident, let's hope the Tigers will be good sports and retire their animal mascots to sanctuaries, where they can live out their days in peace and safety," Pollard-Post said.
Jamie Bellah, director of the Southeastern Raptor Center, said Spirit is in good hands.
"We provide him wonderful care," Bellah said. "I have a wonderful team at the Raptor Center. We believe in what we do."
A lot of thought goes into each flight, and if there's any danger to the eagle, the flight will be canceled, Bellah said.
He said the crash was a very rare occurence.
"I've been here since 2004 and I haven't seen this," Bellah said. "All of the stadium flights I've seen since then were fine."
Bellah said Spirit would die if released into the wild because of his damaged beak.
"We have to cut up his food for him," Bellah said.
Pollard-Post said Auburn is mistreating the eagles by having the flyovers.
"Animals aren't performers or party decorations, and they don't deserve to be frightened, hurt or even killed just so we can have a momentary thrill," Pollard-Post said.
Bellah said the eagles are rarely in danger and have plenty of time to rest after the flight.
"We have an area that we can keep the eagles in that's air-conditioned," Bellah said. "The one that flies rests up in the secure area, then they take the tour around the stadium and we bring them back to the Raptor Center."
Bellah said Spirit is all right and hasn't displayed any symptoms as a result of the accident.
"He's been examined and everything seems to be just fine," Bellah said. "We feel fortunate that he's doing very well."
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