Incredible Video: Bald Eagle Surprises Travelers at North Carolina Airport

Travelers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport experienced a delightful surprise when a bald eagle named Clark passed through security, showcasing his majestic wings. This extraordinary event occurred as Clark was heading back home to the World Bird Sanctuary in Missouri after making a special appearance at North Carolina’s High Point University to wish the new freshman class good luck, as highlighted in a tweet by the university.

During this memorable moment, Clark and his handler undoubtedly stunned unsuspecting travelers, as well as the TSA agents on duty. The TSA commented on the amusing sight, mentioning, “Our special guest was Clark the Eagle with the World Bird Sanctuary, who decided to give his wings a break and fly commercial. His airline notified us, and we screened him and his handler. Clark is trained to spread his wings and even showed off a bit during the screening process.”

Clark is quite the seasoned traveler, being one of only four bald eagles that travel to various venues across the country, according to the World Bird Sanctuary. Born in 2002 as part of a breeding program aimed at reintroducing endangered birds into the wild, Clark unfortunately developed scale deformities on his feet. These deformities posed significant risks, including potential frostbite during harsh winters, leading to a career shift for Clark. Instead of returning to the wild, he transitioned into a flying ambassador, participating in numerous events.

Since then, Clark has performed at various prestigious events, including St. Louis Cardinals baseball games, a Chicago Bears game, and notable events at Boeing. The World Bird Sanctuary, where Clark resides, is home to over 200 animals from more than 60 species, stretching across a vast 305 acres. The sanctuary welcomes visitors daily and offers unique experiences, such as the opportunity to handle a raptor.