FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News Release

Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) conservation efforts yield a Bald Eagles nest, with two babies, at Cootes Paradise

— Naming contest opens TODAY with proceeds going towards continued conservation–

Hamilton ON, June 1 – Through the conservation efforts of Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), Bald Eagles have returned to nesting along the shores of Lake Ontario, near Hamilton.  The birth of two baby bald eagles (eaglets) has been observed and their first flight is estimated later in June.

The birth of the two eaglets, in addition to their parents returning to nest on RBG property, is a promising indication of a successful conservation effort and is in-line with Environment Ontario’s recent lifting of the endangered species classification. “We work hard to help nurture the natural habitat at RBG. Species like bald eagles nesting and thriving is very exciting”, says Tys Theysmeyer, Head of Natural Lands at RBG.

The eaglets are expected to fly for the first time towards the end of June and to celebrate, RBG is hosting a “name the eaglets” contest to raise awareness for continuing conservation efforts. The contest provides an exciting opportunity to engage with and support conservation efforts while having fun. Additionally, two winners – one name for each eaglet – will be given a free membership to RBG for one year.

RBG is ALSO raising funds towards RBG’s habitat restoration and conservation. For every donation of $50 or more, you will receive a Bald Eagle stuffed animal made from 100% recycled materials, an RBG Conservation Certificate, and a tax receipt.

For more information about the contest and how to participate, please visit the RBG website. https://www.rbg.ca/plants-conservation/nature-sanctuaries/conservation-projects/bald-eagles/

 or on our social channels: instagram.com/rbgcanada/, facebook.com/RoyalBotanicalGardens, twitter.com/RBGCanada

Contest details:

To enter, simply visit @rbgcanada on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and comment your name suggestion on the pinned post at the top of each page (June 1 to 11). These entries will then be narrowed down to the top five names. The top five selected names will be posted on rbg.ca/bald-eagles from June 12 to 15 for the community to vote on their favourite names for our two eaglets.  The winning names will be announced when eagles fledge the nest in June.  

Images can be found HERE

About The Bald Eagle

Brought to the brink of extinction by the pesticide DDT in the 60s & 70s, they are slowly recolonizing, one eaglet at a time! These large predators need at least 100 hectares of undisturbed forest to nest and roost, plus an adjacent 50 hectares of wetlands to allow them to catch fish. 

About RBG

Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is the largest botanical garden in Canada, a National Historic Site, and registered charitable organization with a mandate to bring together people, plants and nature.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Tory Crowder, Jumpstart Communications, [email protected] 416-998-9702