A Federal Eagle Exhibition permit is required to possess Bald Eagles or Golden Eagles (living or dead), parts, nests and eggs for educational purposes. Possession of live eagles or eagle parts is prohibited without a permit. Only zoological parks, scientific or educational institutions, and museums that meet the definition of “public” under 50 CFR 10.12 are eligible for this permit (50 CFR 22.21) and must complete section B of this application.
Who Needs It
Only zoological parks, scientific societies and museums that are open to the general public and are either established, maintained, and operated as a governmental service or are privately endowed and organized but not operated for profit are eligible for an Eagle Exhibition permit (50 CFR 10.12 and 50 CFR 22.21). Open to the public means open to the public at least 400 hours per year. Privately endowed includes demonstrating the long-term ability to house, feed and care for each live eagle you acquire. Your endowment should be listed on your IRS Form 990. Therefore, you must complete Section B on page 1 of the application form. You will be required to submit documentation verifying that you meet the eligibility requirement.
What is not covered by this permit?
Eagles possessed or transported for educational purposes may not be displayed in any manner that implies personal use. You may not use eagles to promote or endorse any product, merchandise, goods, services, business, or organization except your own educational activities. Educational programs are not considered commercial activities.
Caretaker Requirements
Your caretaker and/or handler must be at least 18 years of age. Caretakers must gain experience in handling and caring for the eagle species you intend to acquire. A portion of the experience may be fulfilled by participation in migratory bird/raptor handling seminars and courses. This experience is to include:
- Training the species or similar species you intend to use in educational programs.
- The care and feeding of eagles.
- Managing their exhibits (captive husbandry including perching, jessing, etc.).
- Medical management
You must also provide a written recommendation from another Federal permittee with eagle handling experience.
For Static Display (Not Glove-Trained)
- We recommend 300 hours of experience gained over the course of at least 2 years, in handling and caring for the eagle species you intend to acquire.
For Glove-Trained Eagles in Conservation Program
- We recommend 500 hours of experience with eagles, gained over the course of at least 2 years, in handling and caring for the eagle species you intend to acquire.
Education Program Requirement
A minimum of 12 gloved programs that are open to the public must be presented each year. If eagles are only on static display for educational purposes, eagles must be on public exhibit for a minimum of 400 hours per year. The authority to possess eagles will be subject to re-evaluation if this requirement is not met.
Process
Submit an Application
To submit an application online or through the mail, follow the instructions on our ePermits site.
Application Fee
- $75
- Application fee is non-refundable.
- Federal, Tribal, State, and local government agencies, and those acting on the behalf of such agencies, are exempt from the processing fee (documentation may be required).