Commemorating the Life of Capella

Published September 9, 2025

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved bald eagle, Capella.  

Capella was a cornerstone of our ambassador animal program and a powerful symbol of resilience, education, and conservation. For over two decades, she helped thousands of guests connect with the natural world and understand the importance of protecting it. Her presence at Wonders of Wildlife was more than educational, it was transformative.  

Capella’s journey began in the wilderness of Alaska, where she hatched in February 1986. She was selected as part of a Missouri bald eagle restoration project led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Dickerson Park Zoo, and the Missouri Department of Conservation. This ambitious program aimed to reintroduce bald eagles to the state after years of population decline. Capella was one of 78 chicks brought to Missouri during the 10-year effort, but she was one of only two who were not successfully reintroduced into the wild.

After suffering a wing injury, she was treated at the University of Minnesota and ultimately deemed non-releasable. She became a permanent resident of Dickerson Park Zoo before being loaned to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in 1989.

In October 2002, Capella found her forever home at Wonders of Wildlife.

From the moment she arrived, Capella began forging meaningful connections. She was placed on exhibit in the Riverwalk area of the original facility within her first year, and soon after began participating in educational programs. In 2004, our team began working closely with Capella, training her to wear jesses, perch calmly on a glove, and become comfortable around people. Her first documented outreach program took place in 2005, and she quickly became a regular presence at events across the state.  

Over the years, Capella participated in at least 119 recorded programs, from school visits to on-site presentations. She educated guests about bald eagle biology, conservation, and the species’ remarkable recovery. Even after Wonders of Wildlife reopened in 2017, Capella continued to inspire from our Outdoor Bear exhibit, supported by our educators. In 2020, after more than a decade of service, she was officially retired with approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and moved to the outdoor portion of our Animal Ambassador Facility. 

Capella’s impact extended far beyond the numbers. She was a living link to Missouri’s bald eagle restoration story; a reminder of how collaborative conservation efforts can bring a species back from the brink of extinction. Her story helped guests understand the challenges wildlife face and the importance of protecting habitats.

Behind the scenes, Capella received specialized care from our Life Sciences team, who ensured her physical and mental well-being through enrichment, training, and medical support. Her caretakers built a relationship with her rooted in trust and respect, allowing her to thrive and continue her role as an ambassador well into her later years. Capella’s status as an ambassador and long, happy life are a testament to the exemplary care she received during her time in human care. 

In August 2025, our teams noticed a decline in her health which spurred increased monitoring by the husbandry and veterinarian team. After careful evaluation and thoughtful consideration, the decision was made to humanely euthanize Capella. She was 39 years old.

Capella’s legacy lives on in the thousands of people she inspired and the conservation message she carried. She reminded us that every animal has a story worth telling, and that through education and empathy, we can build a better future for wildlife. She will be missed dearly by all of us.