The Eagle Has Landed

Mel, the Queens Zoo's famous bald eagle, is getting a new mate. The Zoo, part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, is now home to Claire II, a new bald eagle named after former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman, who arranged for the Zoo's original female bald eagle, Claire I, to come to the Zoo when it first opened in 1992.

Hailing from Mercer County Wildlife Center in New Jersey, Claire II suffered a wing injury that made it impossible for her to survive in the wild. At the Zoo, she's made herself at home, sharing space with Mel, who was named after Shulman's husband. Together, the majestic symbols of national pride provide a beautiful picture of nature that many New Yorkers would never get a chance to see.

Zookeepers say Claire II and Mel have become acquainted with each other and are getting along just fine. Though Claire II still seems curious about her new digs, she can often be found perching on logs and jumping on the rocks that line her outdoor exhibit.

Bald eagles are raptors found over most of North America, from Canada to Northern Mexico. Once considered endangered, bald eagles are now listed as "threatened" by the United States government. If bald eagles are ever completely de-listed, the species would still be protected under the Bald Eagle Protection Act, which prohibits the sale, trade and possession of bald eagles.

The bald eagles can be seen every day at the Queens Zoo. Be sure to stop by and give a big welcome to Claire II. The Queens Zoo is located at 53-51 111 St. in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays, 5:30 p.m. weekends. For more information, call 718-271-1500 or visit www.queens zoo.com.

On Dec. 6, 2006, the Wildlife Conservation Society launched its $650 million "Gateways to Conservation" campaign, which will provide a program of park renewal, living collection management, wildlife health assessment, educational outreach, and strategic international conservation at home and abroad. The Campaign will transform the Bronx Zoo's landmark Lion House into a new "Madagascar!" exhibit and create new exhibits at the four other city zoos and aquarium. "Gateways to Conservation" will also help safeguard more than 200 million acres of vital and magnificent wildlife habitat around the globe for an annual cost of as little as $1 per acre. To help protect the natural world and promote animal well-being, support the WCS Gateways to Conservation campaign. For more information, visit www.wcs.org.