ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Freedom, the live bald eagle mascot of Georgia Southern University, passed away on Saturday, the university announced.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved live bald eagle mascot, Freedom,” the university released in a social media post. “For more than two decades, Freedom has served as a symbol of pride for Georgia Southern, uniting Eagle Nation.”
Freedom had been with the university since 2004, when it was rescued from Florida before becoming a fixture of the university.
“Freedom has been a part of the University community since 2004, when he was found knocked out of a nest in Maitland, Florida, and permanent injury to his beak prevented his release into the wild,” the post read. “He was acquired with the permission of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Since then, Freedom has awed, inspired and helped teach generations about the importance of wildlife, endangered species and conservation…