Advertisement Rare federal permit allows eagle aviary on Zuni Pueblo 'We accept them as family,' official says Share Shares Copy Link Copy

An aviary that is home to 21 eagles, about 150 miles west of the Albuquerque metropolitan area, plays an important role in keeping New Mexico tradition alive."We accept them as family members," said Nelson Luna, director of Zuni Pueblo Fish and Wildlife.The pueblo, south of Gallup, has an aviary with almost two dozen of the majestic birds, male and female, bald and golden, ranging from 2 to 20 years old.Luna said he can mostly tell them apart.The pueblo has a rare federal permit which allows it to keep the birds for religious reasons. They became the first to do so in 1999."These are our relatives, so we provide them with the same care we would ourselves," Luna said.Handlers collect fallen eagle feathers, which are given to spiritual leaders."We try to salvage them while they are still pristine," Luna said. "Depending on your position in the religious hierarchy, you could use feathers for prayer offerings or costumes."Luna said the Zuni people believe that the eagles are their ancestors."We are very honored, and the reason I say that is because of the significance of the eagle with our customs and traditions," said Zuni Pueblo Gov. Val Panteah Sr.The birds have been hit by cars, electrocuted on power lines and even shot. Their injuries make it impossible for them to go back into the wild.Luna said that if the birds didn't go to the aviary to live, they would probably be euthanized.Each eagle has a unique personality. A bird named Liberty, who is practically blind, is a greeter of sorts, Luna said."When she hears something, even though she can't see them, she'll start the choir," he said.Luna said he speaks Zuni to the birds, and he believes that they understand what he is saying.The birds, who otherwise couldn't survive on their own, are helping tradition live on by giving parts of themselves they no longer need, Luna said. Zuni leaders can't go into specifics about the ceremonies because they're private and sacred to pueblo members.