CLARKDALE, AZ–(Marketwire – July 28, 2010) –  On Saturday evening, July 24th, special guests from Scottsdale-based Liberty Wildlife joined the Verde Canyon Railroad for the Starlight train ride. Joe and Jan Miller, wildlife trainers, were accompanied by 3-yr-old Sonora, a juvenile bald eagle, one of the many stars of their education program. In each of the open-air viewing cars, Sonora and the Millers gave an enlightening presentation, much to the delight and interest of all passengers.

After falling from her nest, 8 week-old Sonora was rescued near the Ft. McDowell Indian Reservation. A swarm of Africanized bees had attacked the nest, chasing off both parents and killing her sibling. Sharp-eyed Arizona Game & Fish eagle watchers witnessed the disturbance and were able to rescue the young eaglet. Sustaining permanent damage to one wing, Sonora was unable to be released back into the wild. She was trained to be an educational animal and is a full-time resident at Liberty Wildlife, a non-profit animal rescue center in Scottsdale. 

Of course, the eagle had never ridden a train before. The Millers and the train crew were prepared for any possibility. What they realized, along with train passengers, was an amazing adaptation by Sonora. As the trip began, the young eagle quickly grasped the movement and sounds of the train. She positioned her body into the breeze and opened her wings to catch the wind. Sonora avidly watched the scenery, enjoying the canyon views just as human passengers were.

The Verde Canyon Railroad is proud to be part of such an awe-inspiring, educational experience supporting Liberty Wildlife. To make reservations on Verde Canyon Railroad call 800-293-7245 or visit www.verdecanyonrr.com. To learn more about Liberty Wildlife and how you can help, visit www.libertywildlife.org. 

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