On December 31, 2001, Columbia was feeding on a dead deer by the side of the road when she was struck by a vehicle. Her right wing was broken near the shoulder and she was admitted to The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota.

Upon examination, Columbia was found to have nearly twice the lethal dose of lead in her blood. Just a small amount could have killed her in 4-5 days. Thankfully, she recovered but the neurological damage from the lead in her system was irreversible.

Today, at 22 years of age, Columbia is adored by visitors from around the world and admired for her resilience and beauty.

• Female
• Hatched in 2001
• Rescued in Dunbar, Wisconsin
• National Eagle Center Ambassador since 2003