Why Recent Release of Two Golden Eagles in Montana is Historic

The flight of two golden eagles marks a remarkable moment, a celebration of culture, conservation, and the wild spirit of these majestic birds.

WHY MONTANA WAS CHOSEN

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation, in collaboration with the Raptor View Research Institute, chose their historic first-ever release of two golden eagles hatched in captivity into the wild in White Sulphur Springs. Montana was chosen for the release because of its ideal habitat and thriving golden eagle population, which will allow the birds to learn from their own species.

A PROPER INTRODUCTION

The golden eagles, given Potawatomi names of Némkis (Little Thunder) and Mnotägwzekwe (She Brings the Good News), were hatched at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Aviary in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in May 2025. Aviary co-manger Bree Durham was quoted in the press release as saying, “Eagles are sacred in our culture, and it was incredibly important to us Némkis and Mnotägwzekwe could be freed and thrive in the wild. We took several steps to ensure they didn’t bond with our staff and develop a reliance on humans so their chances of survival increase.”

Both eagles have been fitted with GPS telemetry and USGS leg bands. The trackers are expected to last between six months and two years. Raptor View Research will monitor sightings in the wild, even after the telemetry detaches.

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ABOUT THE AVIARY

The CPN aviary offers permanent residence for injured eagles and other raptors unfit for wildlife reintroduction. It currently houses 13 bald eagles and three golden eagles. Since the aviary’s founding in 2012, four eagles have been released into the wild.

To find out more about this amazing aviary and the reverence held for eagles in Native culture, fly on over to their website.

And if you happen to see Némkis and Mnotägwzekwe soaring in the majestic Big Sky, please tell them we said "Hi."