Norristown’s Elmwood Park Zoo is home to two of the most important members of the Philadelphia Eagles franchise, writes Dave Zangaro for NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Noah and Reggie, the zoo’s resident bald eagles, have become fan favorites at training camp and home games, inspiring crowds while promoting wildlife conservation.
On a rare break before the preseason, NBC Sports Philadelphia visited the zoo for a closer look. Director Ambassador of Animal Engagement, Laura Soder, explained that bald eagles were nearly extinct 40 years ago due to pesticides and habitat loss. Conservation laws and public awareness reversed the decline, and the species was removed from the endangered list in 2007.
28-year-old Noah lost his eye after a fall as a chick, but has been a fixture at the zoo since 2008. He became the Eagles’ first live mascot in 2013. Reggie, 14, joined Elmwood Park in 2019 after a wing injury from a vehicle collision. They alternate appearances, ensuring both get rest.
While Noah is calm and watchful, Reggie is energetic and loves shredding toy footballs, especially in rival colors. Together, they bring the Eagles’ spirit to fans and highlight the strength in a good comeback story.
Read more about Elmwood Park Zoo’s Reggie and Noah on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
