Take part in a rare opportunity to view a majestic bald eagle up close at a presentation given by Jeff Guidry at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center’s Natural History Exhibit in Fort Worden State Park on Saturday, June 23 at 2 p.m. Admission is $5, $3 for kids and free to Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC) members.
“This is such an excellent learning experience for the whole family,” said Anne Murphy, PTMSC Executive Director. “In addition to meeting Freedom, visitors will hear Jeff share information about eagle behavior, habitats and life cycles.” Jack, a four-year-old retired sled dog, will also be accompanying them, demonstrating the inter-species bond that has developed between the eagle and dog.
From the moment Guidry saw the emaciated baby eagle with broken wings, his life was changed. For weeks he worked with the staff at Sarvey Wildlife Care Center, tending to the grievously injured bird. Miraculously, she recovered. They named her “Freedom” and Guidry became her devoted caretaker. Though Freedom would never fly, she had Jeff as her wings.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center has partnered with several businesses to offer a “Freedom Weekend Package Getaway” for the whole family. Puget Sound Express has a wildlife cruise to view eagles and whales in their natural habitat, leaving at 9 a.m. at Point Hudson Marina on Saturday, June 23 and returning by 1 p.m.—back just in time for the presentation. Accommodations are available at the Bishop Victorian Hotel and the Washington Hotel. All three businesses are offering a 15% discount. Just use the code EAGLE. Children are welcome. For more info, go to www.pugetsoundexpress.com, www.bishopvictorian.com and www.washingtonhotelporttownsend.com.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center celebrates its 30 anniversary in 2012, inspiring conservation of the Salish Sea. Located on the beach at Fort Worden State Park, the PTMSC offers two public exhibits: the Marine Exhibit features large touch pools and aquaria and the Natural History Exhibit highlights the rich zone where land meets sea. Both exhibits are open Wednesday- Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning June 15. Prior to that date, they’re open Friday-Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for youth and free to PTMSC members. The PTMSC also offers a wide variety of educational programs and special events. For more information, call 360.385.5582, e-mail info@ptmsc.org or visit www.ptmsc.org.