The National Eagle Center announced they have reopened its doors to the public. On Friday, January 15, 2021, the Center welcomed back visitors for the first time since temporarily closing last December by order of the Governor in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are very excited to welcome visitors back to see the eagles at the start of this new year,” said Ed Hahn, Marketing Manager at the Center. “However, due to the on-going pandemic and state health guidelines, there are some important changes people need to be aware of as they plan their next visit. We continue to ask people to register ahead of time online to reserve their spot. If people have questions about doing this online, they can call us as well.”
Per state requirements, the Center has a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in place and will only be allowed to operate at 25% visitor capacity.
The Center plans to be open weekly Friday through Sunday. Each day there will be three 90-minutes sessions at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Visitors will be required to register in advance by purchasing timed admission tickets prior to their arrival. There will be a limit of 50 visitors allowed per each session to ensure that all safety protocols are being followed to assure the safety of guests. Staff will thoroughly clean and disinfect the facility between each group session.
Admission prices to the Center remain unchanged.
“The National Eagle Center continues to put the health and safety of our visitors and staff as our top priority,” said CEO Meg Gammage-Tucker. “We have a proven system in place to ensure that we are keeping people safe while they are here enjoying the live eagle ambassadors and learning from the new and interactive exhibits that have been recently updated.”
In addition to reserved ticketed admission, visitors will be required to wear masks while inside the Center and daily classroom programs are unavailable due to social distancing requirements. Guests will be allowed to go into the eagle ambassadors’ display area and are encouraged to bring their own binoculars and scopes for wild eagle viewing during their visit.
“Winter is the prime eagle viewing season along the river. We also know that people are wanting to safely get out and come to the Center to visit the eagles in person,” said Hahn. “We – including our eagle ambassadors – have really missed having visitors! We are eager to be able to facilitate – as best we can – the up close and personal National Eagle Center experience people have come to know and love.”