Spirit arrived at the Alaska Raptor Center in 2016 after being found in a ditch in Juneau, Alaska after being hit by a car. She is believed to have suffered a traumatic brain injury, leaving her with a permanent head tilt and limited vision in her left eye. Although fully flighted, her injuries make flying difficult.

Bald Eagles are the main patient at the Alaska Raptor Center. Many, like Spirit, are flown to Sitka by Alaska Airlines. Because they have helped us with transporting eagles for so many years, we offered them the opportunity to name an ambassador eagle. Spirit was chosen as the tagline “Spirit of Alaska” is tied to Alaska Airlines and its history of overcoming challenges when flying throughout the state.