World's Most Famous Bald Eagle Visits 'GMA'
Find out more about Challenger, a 20-year-old eagle of many talents.
April 6, 2009 — -- Challenger, a 20-year old male bald eagle named in honor of the lost space shuttle crew, stopped by "Good Morning America" with his handler Al Cecere, founder and president of the America Eagle Foundation.
As a baby, Challenger was blown from a nest in a storm and raised by by the people who rescued him. Because he was fed by people when he was young, he now thinks he's a person, according to Cecere.
Challenger, the first bald eagle trained to free fly into stadiums during the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner," was in New York to perform Sunday at the grand opening of the new Yankee Stadium, where the Yankees played the Chicago Cubs.
He is used for educational purposes and is cared for by the nonprofit American Eagle Foundation headquartered at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Dolly Parton's entertainment park.
Challenger has achieved more in his 20 years than many humans -- he's been featured on the cover of several newspapers and magazines, appeared on numerous television shows including "GMA," "Larry King Live" and "Late Show With David Letterman."
In his spare time, Challenger enjoys delicacies such as salmon, trout, quail, beef heart and Fiji water.
Find out more at the America Eagle Foundation.
Watch Challenger's YouTube music video by clicking here.
You can also e-mail savetheeagle@aol.com.