Credit: Inside the MagicDollywood has confirmed a major change to the theme park, effective immediately.
The Pigeon Forge attraction, which has operated under Dolly Parton’s name since 1986, has spent decades balancing major new rides and expansions with traditions rooted in the Great Smoky Mountains.
That’s been the case this week. Dollywood debuted its newest attraction – the $60 million NightFlight Expedition – on August 19 after days of previews. However, it has since experienced its share of technical issues, forcing downtime.
In the same week, the park has also confirmed the end of another iconic attraction.
Dollywood Ends Animal Attraction For Good
After 35 years, Dollywood has confirmed that it is entering a “new chapter.”
The theme park’s bald eagles are leaving the park for good as Dollywood adjusts its partnership with the American Eagle Foundation.
Nonreleasable eagles have been housed at the American Eagle Foundation’s Kodak campus since a storm damaged Dollywood’s Eagle Mountain Sanctuary earlier this year. Three escaped after the April storm; Caesar was recovered in May, while the other two (Rockland and Wesley) remained unaccounted for as of August 21.
“For 35 years, our partnership with the American Eagle Foundation has allowed millions of Dollywood guests to learn about and appreciate the bald eagle and other birds of prey,” Dollywood President Eugene Naughton said in a press release.
“We’re incredibly proud of what this partnership has accomplished. We look forward to continuing our work together, and we plan to continue inspiring our guests to care for these remarkable birds and the natural world around us.”
You can find the world’s largest exhibit of bald eagles @Dollywood!
You can find the world's largest exhibit of bald eagles @Dollywood! pic.twitter.com/Nv8QiKnkxz
— themeparkreview (@ThemeParkReview) July 27, 2017
The change will not mean zero birds of prey at Dollywood. The park confirmed that its Wings of America Birds of Prey show will continue, giving guests the opportunity to see raptors up close and learn more about the animals and their conservation.
The American Eagle Foundation will also maintain a presence at the show, continuing to introduce guests to eagles and other raptors. The organizations have worked together since 1991, a partnership they say has helped millions of Dollywood visitors learn about bald eagles and the importance of protecting birds of prey.
“Eagle Mountain Sanctuary has played an extraordinary role in our history and in helping generations of people understand and appreciate these magnificent birds,” American Eagle Foundation CEO Lori Moore said. “We are tremendously grateful for Dollywood’s partnership over the past 35 years and are excited about what we can continue to accomplish together.”
Dollywood has since removed the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary page from its website.
How do you feel about the end of Dollywood’s eagle exhibit?
