Eagle That Appeared On Minnesota License Plate Dies At 35

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The National Eagle Center announced Thursday that its most senior eagle ambassador, Harriet, has died. The raptor was 35.

The Wabasha, Minnesota organization, which educates the public about eagles and their habitats, said that Harriet was a steadfast part of the organization, inspiring thousands of people each year.

The eagle, named by a first-grader after Harriet Tubman, made national television appearances on the Today Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She also traveled to Washington D.C. to mark the removal of bald eagles from the endangered species list.

She often worked with veterans in Minnesota, and her picture was used in the state's Support Our Troops license plate, the National Eagle Center said.

Hatched in 1981 in northern Wisconsin, Harriet was wild for half her life. She came to the National Eagle Center after being hit by a car in 2000. Due to her injuries, she was unable to fly again.

Harriet was euthanized at The Raptor Center on Wednesday.

She is survived by four other eagle ambassadors, as well as an additional young male ambassador who will be introduced to the public soon, the National Eagle Center said.

To learn more about Harriet and the National Eagle Center, click here.