The American Eagle Foundation in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, works to protect bald eagles and other birds of prey. Most birds that come into their care are injured, and after rehabilitation they are released back into the wild. Friar Tuck is different. For one thing, he is not a bird of prey. He is an African pied crow, far away from his native habitat (note his distinctive undershirt). He is elderly and does not fly. So he lives permanently at the foundation's shelter and gets the human contact the releasable birds do not. His caretaker Macy is teaching him some tricks, but mainly just letting Tuck be Tuck.
Tuck is an ambassador bird for the foundation, and sometimes mans a booth at Dollywood to educate the public about bird conservation and to receive donations. Everyone loves Tuck!
(Image credit: The American Eagle Foundation)
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