About Our Founder, Al Cecere
“It’s been such a privilege and honor to travel with you for the past 20 + years, Challenger! You have blessed my life in so many hundreds of ways. And together we have been able to bless the lives of millions of people and birds. If only we could have written all our adventures down. If only you could understand my words. No book or movie could even begin to tell the story of our life’s journey together…the hundreds of special places we’ve been and the thousands of wonderful and interesting people we’ve met…and the awesome things we have been able to accomplish together. And what amazes me most is that God’s protection and direction has been with us every step of the way. I am blessed, so very blessed.” ~ Al Cecere speaking to Challenger, June 16, 2015.
Al Cecere, Founder and President of the American Eagle Foundation since 1984, announced his retirement in May 2018. A pioneer in Eagle Conservation, Al has left a blueprint of excellence that will continue to guide and inspire those who are dedicated to conservation. His work to help Keep America’s Eagles Flying Strong and Free over the past 33 years has resulted in many important accomplishments, some of which are highlighted below.
HOW IT STARTED
“In 1983, I was motivated by an Associated Press photograph that appeared in The Tennessean newspaper depicting two dozen Bald Eagles that had been shot by poachers in the Dakotas. I experienced a life-changing moment that aroused my passion to save this precious species. From that moment on, I was determined to do all I could to restore and protect our nation’s Bald Eagle population. In 1985, I founded the American Eagle Foundation, which has now grown into one of the largest non-governmental eagle efforts in the United States.
In a 1991 State of the Union address, George H. W. Bush encouraged Americans to pursue ‘some purpose higher than ourselves—a shining purpose, the illumination of a thousand points of light,’ which only fueled my passion more. Relying solely on private and corporate contributions, it has helped fund and support numerous eagle restoration and protection efforts across the USA.
I cannot take sole credit for the success of AEF. God has opened doors and connected me with all the right people to make the mission of the AEF a reality—I just consider myself the vessel.” ~ Al Cecere.
A BRILLIANT LEGACY
Today, the AEF operates the largest eagle breeding and education center in the United States. Working closely with Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Company, Al established a multi-million dollar United States Eagle Center located in Pigeon Forge, TN (operated by the AEF) and has raised over $20 million dollars to fund the eagle cause.
The AEF also conducts a rehabilitation program for countless injured eagles and other raptors, and also cares for a non-releasable collection of approximately 80 permanently disabled birds of prey daily, including 45 eagles. The foundation is licensed by state and federal wildlife agencies.
From 1992 – 2018, the AEF has released 166 captive-hatched Bald Eaglets into the wilds of the Great Smoky Mountains area, and has supported the release of hundreds of eagles in other locations.
Al has spent the past 32 years traveling throughout the United States educating tens of millions of people about the need to save and protect the USA’s National Bird.
In 1996, Cecere influenced President Bill Clinton to proclaim June 20th “American Eagle Day.” Since then, 49 state Governors have proclaimed this special day, and the United States Congress has passed resolutions celebrating American Eagle Day.
In 2004, Al spearheaded an effort in the U.S. Congress to pass the Bald Eagle Commemorative Coin Act. Sales from the resulting coins issued by the United States Mint coin have raised $7.8 million for support of Bald Eagle programs nationally.
The interest from the sale of coins has been put aside to fund grants which support conservation, monitoring, educational, and research projects that benefit Bald Eagles. Close to $600,00 in eagle grants has been awarded since 2012, with about $100,000 awarded yearly.
Al’s pioneering initiative in setting up high-definition video cams in eagle nest trees (along with moderated chat) has provided unprecedented insight into the Bald Eagle nesting process and educated millions of people in the nation and across the world.
One special eagle, Challenger, is often the public face of the American Eagle Foundation. Rescued after falling from a nest in a storm, and raised and fed by humans, Challenger became human-imprinted (and therefore “non-releasable”). The eagle eventually found his way to the AEF where he has lived for 29 years. Challenger’s image and name is on a legal tender United States Mint coin, and he was chosen by the U.S. Government to fly during the ceremony announcing the delisting of Bald Eagles from Endangered Species Act protection. He has flown at approximately 300 major sporting events and national conferences/ceremonies, fundraisers, and schools. He frequently raises the spirits of our military at Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day events, and is a familiar guest on national and regional television shows. He’s been invited and has participated in Inaugural events for President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush.
Expressing his thoughts about the Bald Eagle, Cecere once stated: “When I look at the eagle, I see a micro-dot of a glimpse of what the majesty of our own Creator is.”
The Bald Eagle now enjoys a much more promising future, and the nation owes Al Cecere a debt of gratitude for his lifelong achievements in conservation.
Al Cecere and Challenger - Two lives connected in making a profound difference!
The beginning of a journey - Eagle Mountain Sanctuary opens at Dollywood April 1991. Senator Jim Sasser, Dolly, Challenger, Al, Bob Hope, and James Rogers were there to celebrate!
In 1995, at the request of the American Eagle Foundation, President Bill Clinton and Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist each recognized the first American Eagle Day. Since then, Governors of 49 states have proclaimed June 20 as American Eagle Day!
President Clinton meets with Al and Bald Eagle Challenger in the Rose Garden of the White House on July 2, 1999 prior to an announcement about plans to remove the Bald Eagle from the Endangered Species List.
Al and Challenger appeared on Good Morning America with Diane Sawyer & Charlie Gibson in April, 2003.
Al and Challenger — a photo taken in front of the World Trade Towers in NYC prior to 9/11.
When the San Francisco Zoo ended its Bald Eagle Recovery Program in 2007, 9 adult eagles were transferred to AEF for permanent care. Several of these were bonded pairs and their offspring continue to be released from AEF's hack tower.
Celebrating the delisting of the Bald Eagle from Threatened and Endangered status June 28, 2007. Al Cecere, Challenger, and Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorn - at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC.
In Chicago for an appearance at the Cubs / White Sox game - 2007.
Al and Challenger in Washington, DC - (2007) in support of Teaming With Wildlife, a coalition of more than 5,000 organizations, agencies, and businesses working to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered.
Tostitos BCS Championship January 8, 2007 football game played at the Univ. of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Florida Gators. Challenger flew during the National Anthem.
Muhammad Ali was the recognized name for Fight Night, an event that has raised more than $85 million for charity, primarily the Barrow Neurological Foundation. AEF & Bald Eagle Challenger have participated in this event each year since 2005.
In 2008, the US Mint issued commemorative coins celebrating the comeback of the Bald Eagle. AEF is authorized to use the money from the sale of these coins to further the work of the American Eagle Fund. Shown here are Dolly Parton, Al Cecere, & Challenger, and Gloria Eskridge, Associate Director for Sales & Marketing for the United States Mint.
Al and Challenger in Washington, DC - January 18, 2009 - participating in the inaugural ceremonies for President Barack Obama.
Veterans Day Times Square NYC 2009
Dolly Parton, American Eagle Foundation founder and president Al Cecere, and Bald Eagle Mr. Lincoln celebrate the 2010 opening of Dollywood and the 25th anniversary of the American Eagle Foundation in Pigeon Forge.
Al Cecere approaches a nest in the aviary on Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood on May 14, 2010 to see if the two eggs there have hatched. He found two eaglets about two days old when he looked.
Al catches Challenger at the 2010 AFC Championship between the Indianapolis Colts & the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
On Dec. 15, 2010, Al spearheaded and supervised the rescue of Bald Eagle eggs laid in a Florida baseball stadium bank of lights. Diligent care resulted in successful incubation and release of a healthy eaglet.
Sec. of the Interior Ken Salazar with Al Cecere & Challenger. In a ceremony honoring Sam Hamilton, the late director of the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Challenger's flight over those gathered in the auditorium embodied Hamilton's life of conservation. (2010)
Mayor Michael Bloomberg of NYC was one of 12 distinguished individuals honored at the 2011 Horatio Alger Awards. For many years, Challenger and Al have been part of the opening ceremonies for this event held at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC.
Veterans Day Parade in Times Square, NYC 2011. Al never missed an opportunity to lift the spirits of the military and thank them for their service.
Dolly Parton helps Al and Mr. Lincoln celebrate American Eagle Day, June 20, 2012
Trace Adkins with AEF staff. On Nov. 28, 2012, Al Cecere was honored on the GAC national cable network's "Great American Heroes" TV show hosted by country music artist Trace Adkins.
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam with Al and Mr. Lincoln in 2012. Two years prior to this photo, Gov. Elect Haslam assisted in the release of two rehabilitated Bald Eagles on the Tennessee River in honor of servicemen and women serving around the world.
Al & Challenger with Kyle Petty at the Charlotte Race Track. Kyle previously served as National Honorary Co-Chairman for the AEF
Al sits behind the wheel in the Petty race car at Charlotte! But he didn't get to drive in the race! (2013)
In 2013, Al took to the skies to alert helicopter tour pilots about an eagle nest in a tree near Kroger on Winfield Dunn Parkway in Sevierville, where 2 adult eagles and their newly hatched eaglet lived. This was the nest of Lady Independence and Sir Hatcher.
An eaglet from the Wildlife Sanctuary of NW Florida about to be released into the wild is banded for future identification. Assisting Al are AEF staff members Rob West & Nancy Zagaya, along with Dorothy Kauffman from the Florida Sanctuary, (2013)
Al and Challenger visited an old friend, Senator Howard Baker, at his home in 2013
A Memorial Day appearance of AEF's Al Cecere and Challenger with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and various members of our US Armed Forces at US Cellular Field in Chicago (5-27-13) where Challenger flew during the National Anthem.
On Nov. 17, 2013, the Houston Texans hosted the Oakland Raiders. Presidents George W. Bush, George H. W. Bush, their wives Laura & Barbara were among those who saw Laura Sterbens' first official "catch" of the eagle Challenger during a major league football game.
To celebrate the life of Eagle conservationist Bob Hatcher, a juvenile Bald Eagle named "Hatcher's Legacy" was released on July 15, 2014 at Bells Bend, an area tucked along the Cumberland River in West Nashville, while James Rogers sang "Fly Eagle Fly."
2015 marked the 30th anniversary of the American Eagle Foundation.
Chatter Reunion - June 16-18, 2016: a coming together of Kindred Spirits from across the nation and Canada to experience & celebrate what the AEF stands for, and to join with other Kindred Spirits for fun and fellowship.
Staff Sgt. Ron Duncan performed the National Anthem while Bald Eagle Challenger soared over a field-sized flag at a game between the Colts and Steelers, Nov. 12, 2017, in a 'Salute to Service' pre-game celebration at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Al Cecere has given his adult life to the protection of the Bald Eagle. In addition, two of his daughters, Laura Perkins (shown here) and Julia Cecere have followed in his footsteps, dedicating their talents, time, and passion to ensure that the Bald Eagle keeps flying strong and free.
TRIBUTES TO AL FOLLOWING HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE AMERICAN EAGLE FOUNDATION (Click to Open)
“Save the Eagles”- that’s what we need to do. From the humble beginning of the National Foundation to Protect America’s Eagles, the American Eagle Foundation started. Hard work, lots of sacrifice, hundreds of hours, thousands of calls, endless amounts of paperwork. Meeting Presidents, Governors, Congressman, Senators, and everyday Americans. Thanks Al. You make me proud to be your friend. ~Jim Marietta, Board Member for 33 years and current AEF President.
“In 1988, merely 3 years old, I remember spending my days riding around on the Nashville city bus—making one stop after another, business to business—with my father. I went everywhere with him, thinking life couldn’t get any better than giving my quarter to each and every smiling city bus driver while spending every waking moment with Dad. Little did I know, I was on board the first vessel that would become a long remarkable journey in making a dream a reality. Never would I have imagined that my Father’s determination, drive, and perseverance would birth an Effort that would stand the test of time and adversity—much like the Living Symbol he was trying to preserve. I often compare my Father’s traits to the qualities that of an Eagle—strong, resilient, confident, faithful, spirited, and independent. He inspired and encouraged me to strive to BECOME something great: ‘Be a doctor, a veterinarian, an architect!’ Dad, today, I have accomplished the greatest mission of all—Being your daughter, a leader, and acquiring the many great qualities you possess, to continue the Mission you founded, and to see your life’s work in the American Eagle Foundation continue for many years to come. Thank you for the many years and the countless hours you poured into me- preparing me, training me, and trusting me to stand in your boots. I hope to make you proud!” ~ Laura Sterbens, AEF
“Al Cecere was the first person I met in Tennessee. He and Challenger, that is. It was a wildlife art show and they walked through,.. I was enthralled,… of course I took pictures of Challenger,… he was 3 or so years old judging by the color still on his head. Hindsight shows it to be a pivotal moment as Al Cecere has had a tremendous influence on my life. I hope as I’m able to look back over the years I can say I was as dedicated and focused and passionate as my friend Al.” ~ Spencer Williams, Curator of Birds and Board of Directors AEF
“The outstanding work for the betterment of eagles and the environment by Al Cecere is indisputable. For decades, he has worked tirelessly to educate our minds and to physically alter the path to extinction for our nation’s symbol of freedom. We are forever in his debt. Through his work and efforts he has brought millions of friends across this nation and around the world to the American Eagle Foundation. Not so long ago we almost lost our eagle forever. Today the eagle is off the “endangered species list.” The roll played by Al Cecere and the American Eagle Foundation in helping to alter that otherwise terrible inevitability is undeniable. So for all of this I want to say thank you, Al. No challenge is insurmountable, no dream is too big, so Fly Eagle Fly…and may God Bless you my friend.” ~James Rogers, Friend and Board Member
“You are a national treasure, Al, thank you for everything you have done for eagles. Congrats on your retirement–may you get to relax and enjoy the wildlife and wild lands you have been dedicated to saving! Best wishes!” ~ USFWS Bald Eagle & Raptor Permit Coordinator
“This organization will always be yours. I’ll never forget being a clerk typist in this program back in the 80s and you came in to talk to Burma Campbell about starting up the Foundation. You rolled out a set of blue prints across my desk and you were so excited to share your vision with us. You said I want to provide a home for the largest eagle population in the US and teach everyone about how important these birds are. I remember thinking this is going to be one incredible organization and it is. I know there is a time for us all to move over and let others take the wheel, but that is a very difficult decision to make. I will always be grateful for the help that you have personally given me through your organization and I wish you much happiness in this next chapter of your life. You have done great things for our environment and for these birds, and for that I’m sure there is a place for you on Jesus’s lap one day. God bless and please keep in touch.” ~ Head official at US Fish & Wildlife Service, who was the first USFWS person to give AEF permission to free-fly Challenger in public.
“I first met Al almost 30 years ago when we first started discussing the possibility that Bald Eagle population numbers might be strong enough to be considered for removal from the List of Endangered Species. At the time, I was working for the US Fish & Wildlife Service as the Bald Eagle Recovery Coordinator. I remember distinctly Al’s sincere and friendly manner in discussions, and his strong desire to do what was right for the Bald Eagle. Through his strength of character and his unflinching desire to help the Bald Eagle, he almost single-handedly convinced Congress to support the Bald Eagle Coin Act. They did so – Unanimously! Once that Act was passed, Al and his friend and mentor Bob Hatcher had the foresight to establish a team of experts to help lay the groundwork for a foundation that would promote the recovery and conservation of the Bald Eagle for years to come. I was honored to be part of that team, and to help develop the framework for the American Eagle Foundation Eagle Grants Program. Through Al’s and Bob Hatcher’s steady support and work, the American Eagle Foundation Eagle Grants program has funded over $600,000 worth of projects directed at understanding and conserving the Bald Eagle. 2019 will be our seventh year of providing up to $100,000 in grants to conserve and protect the Bald Eagle. In addition, for 2019, the American Eagle Foundation is offering a special grant to international eagle researchers and conservationists in underserved areas of the world. Al – you made all this happen. America’s Bald Eagle, and eagles around the globe thank you for your energy and your efforts to help them. They thank you, and so do I, for the opportunity to join you and to continue to do good things for Eagles.” ~ Jody Millar, American Eagle Foundation Eagle Grants Coordinator
“Thank you Al, you have done God’s work.” ~ Pete Owens, Publicity Director, Dollywood
“I cannot even begin to thank you for the privilege of being part of your vision to Keep America’s Eagles Flying Strong and Free. Because of your dedication, sacrifice, wisdom, hard work, and integrity, the American Eagle Foundation has been a force for conservation, repopulation, and rehabilitation for eagles and other birds of prey. Bringing the eagle back from the brink of extinction to the success story that it now is owes much to your efforts. The AEF under your leadership has educated and inspired millions of people to join together in a quest for conservation and animal welfare. You are my hero. And on a personal level—I cherish our friendship over the past 20 plus years. I love and respect you enormously. God bless and keep you safe and happy.” ~ Carolyn Stalcup, AEF
“I just want you to know what an honor it has been to work for you and how grateful I am for the opportunities you have given me. Your devotion to the foundation has truly been an inspiration and there is no way to put a value on the wealth of knowledge I have learned from you. You’re generous to a fault and are truly one of the kindest persons I’ve ever met. Its not often that I cry, but I believe I’ve made up for it this past week. My family and I wish you much happiness in you retirement and hope you will keep in touch. Your encouragement to quit smoking, love avocados and letting me work through my treatments, I’m sure aided in my recovery! And for that I’m eternally grateful.” ~ Joanne Cheponis, AEF
“I have no words, Al I just know that I love, respect, and admire you.. I always have and always will! I’m not ok, I’m very very sad—I want you to know I will always always respect and love you.” ~ Crystal Slusher, AEF
“Just picked myself up off the floor! No one more deserving of retirement than you! Wish you the best! Thanks for all the dedication to saving BE’s and other Birds of Prey. AEF has had my heart from day one and what you have done with the Foundation is so awesome. As I told you before, you have been living my dream! ” ~ Joleen Maiden, AEF Volunteer
“Dear Al, I have always had great respect and love for you, and gratitude for the wonderful foundation you developed to protect our magnificent birds! Best wishes for a happy, well deserved retirement. Love and blessings.” ~ Nancy Zaguya, AEF
“With mixed emotions (happiness sprinkled with a heavy heart) my dear friend, Al Cecere, has announced his retirement as President of the American Eagle Foundation. Al founded this mighty Foundation many years ago. With his dedication and passion for Eagles he has without a doubt, likely contributed the very most an individual has in restoring, conserving and educating the public about the Bald Eagle. My hat is off to Al with much gratitude for his great work, his great heart, and his friendship. Being a man of faith, Al, is a treasure to many and to our Lord above.” ~ Gretchen Butler, AEF Volunteer Liaison, Northeast Florida Nest Cam
“Al thank you for all that you’ve done over the years. I know you have passion and drive for eagles and people. You’ve done an outstanding job over the years and the AEF would not be what it is today without you. Thank you for giving me my first internship, welcoming me into your home, my first real job and giving me a Tennessee family. I am blessed to be a part of your Eagle Family-and through all the blood sweat and tears-I hope you are rewarded in your retirement-you truly deserve a break after all the hard work and dedication you put into the AEF! We will continue to work hard and remember the mission ahead and continue for you. So again-Thank you! I wish you the best!” ~ Katelyn Dotson, AEF Assistant Curator
“Congratulations, Al, my friend. You were an awesome leader of an awesome organization. You created something that will stand the test of time as a testament to your vision and dedication. I know that God put you in the right place at the right time to protect and defend our nation’s greatest living symbol. You have been an inspiration (you and Challenger) to countless individuals. It was an honor and a privilege to work with you and AEF for those all too brief 5 years. Good luck and God speed .” ~ John Prickett, former AEF volunteer
“Well nobody deserves retirement more than you do!! You have done an extraordinary job as president of the American Eagle Foundation. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have spent time as a foundation employee. Al, you help set me on my path of my life work with birds of prey. (MY TRUE PASSION!) You gave me an amazing gift, I will always treasure my time spent at the foundation. I have so many wonderful memories of educating the public and traveling with challenger!! Please remember all the good you did and will still do and all the lives you have touched!!! Keep your head up and just think now you are on an amazing new journey, with unlimited possibilities!!” ~ Dale Kernahan, former AEF staff
“Good luck to you Al. Thanks for all the memories and opportunities from the early days to recent times. This is yet another chapter in your life and knowing you, I know you will find another project to focus your attention and diligence. Take care and I know I’ll see you around!” ~ John Stokes, former AEF staff
“I want to thank you for all you have done for bald eagles & AEF. Your passion & drive to save the eagles & other birds of prey are phenomenal. I especially want to thank you for the opportunities you gave me by allowing me to volunteer at AEF. You were always kind and sincere. I will miss you. Best wishes for a well deserved retirement. I won’t ever see eagles without knowing the sacrifices you made to save them. Thank you for everything.” ~ Debbie Gibson, AEF Volunteer
“Congrats on an amazing legacy! The world is better because of you. What more could one ask! I consider myself fortunate to have met you. The very best to you and yours.” ~ Skip Scherrer (former Sponsorship/Marketing, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.)
“Al….to me and many others YOU are and will always be the American Eagle Foundation’s heart and soul! I admire you for all the years of work, love, and dedication that you have had in creating and establishing the foundation to protect eagles and educate all ages about our national symbol. You shared your love and care and kindness and inspired others to join your cause! I can’t help but get teary-eyed when I remember all the wonderful times we have shared together with the AEF and with the children in our schools, and the Lincoln Theatre events with James Rogers, and our Born To Be children’s book narrated by Dolly Parton and song by James Rogers! You have made many of my dreams come true, and my wish for you is that many of your dreams will come true in your retirement! Thanks for the positive impact and joy that you have brought into this world and my life! God bless you! Love you always! You are a true hero to me!” ~ Sally Moorer, author of ‘Born to Be’
“Congratulations, Al. You should be extremely proud of what you and AEF have accomplished. You have certainly earned a break.” ~ Ed Clark, Executive Director, Wildlife Center of Virginia
“Al, I can’t believe this, but I do understand! You and your family have given so much and it has been so appreciated! I got to be in on the beginning when you became a part of our SDCT/DOLLYWOOD Family! Your family became my family! I got to watch your kids grow up from babies to adults! What a pleasure that was! You were always so kind, even when I would call you for help when a bird hit the window and knocked itself out, or one that looked like it was injured, or bringing the Eagle to our Dollywood Chapel for a special service or to our SHS Football Game (since we are the Eagles)! My list could go on and on, but the greatest gift was when you let my grandkids name an Eagle in honor of their Papaw and had a service prior to releasing it! It was absolutely the most beautiful site to see it fly out of the cage to freedom!!! I know Dave had to be looking down smiling! Please know that my family loves you and respects you for everything that you do or have done! I am so thankful God allowed our paths to cross! May God continue to bless you in abundance for all that you have done!! You will be missed!” ~ Judy Ward, Former Executive Secretary to former Dollywood President Ken Bell
“Wow Al, I know that you have given so much to make such a difference with the eagle recovery and all the lives you touched. The release project has blessed so many with a lasting loving experience of a lifetime. Thank you for all your kindness and sharing of the Eagles, the Foundation, and all the great work! You are loved!!” ~ Angela Knight