When the Wildlife Center announced that Buddy would become a member of the Center’s corps of non-releasable education animals in April 2010, many “Buddy fans” began asking about a new enclosure for Buddy — one that would be more fitting for such a famous and well-loved bird.  As the 2011 Garden of Eagles calendar took shape later that same year, supporters decided that the proceeds from the sale of the calendar should be earmarked for construction of a new permanent home for Buddy.

After much discussion and planning, Wildlife Center staff settled on a design for Buddy’s new enclosure.  The Center was looking for an enclosure that would meet several objectives — giving Buddy space to spread his wings, providing appropriate all-weather shelter and a good training environment, and providing good public visibility.  

In July 2011, some materials were purchased for the new building.  Friends at Kjellstrom & Lee Construction will be overseeing the project and assisting the Wildlife Center in keeping this new enclosure within budget.    If all goes well, ground-breaking will occur in late August 2011. 

Dr. Dave created a rough sketch-up of the new Buddy enclosure — this is not necessarily to scale, but will give supporters an idea of what Buddy’s pen will look like.  The main area will be a hoop barn framework. Buddy will have several perches in the enclosure that can be raised and lowered, as well as a water feature.   The enclosure will be 20′ x 24′.

A 12′ x 10′ room will be built onto the back of the enclosure — this will serve as the double-door system for entering and exiting Buddy’s enclosure as well as a more enclosed area, in case Buddy would like to stay out of the weather.  The room will also serve as Buddy’s “dining room”, where Buddy’s trainer will work with him.  By teaching Buddy that food is served in this particular area of the enclosure, getting Buddy jessed up and ready to leave the enclosure will be a much simpler process.   The room will have a sliding door that when shut, can keep Buddy in the sheltered area, if need be. 

And Buddy’s enclosure will be eqiupped with a web-cam.

July 2011

Materials arrive!

August 15, 2011

Kjellstrom & Lee construction workers begin preparing the area for Buddy’s new enclosure.

August 19, 2011

Wildlife Center staff pick up Buddy’s new swimming pool.

August 23, 2011

Construction really begins!

August 25, 2011

August 30, 2011

September 2, 2011

September 8, 2011

September 15, 2011

Just a few finishing touches needed!