The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has recently broadened its family, introducing a pair of rescued bald eagles to their new habitat. Dubbed Justice and Liberty, these two raptors have weathered quite the storm. They arrived with a history of injuries sustained in the wild, which, according to a WPXI report, have rendered them non-releasable back into their natural environment, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Rehabilitated by the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka, both adult eagles, Justice and Liberty, have now taken up residence in the zoo’s Kids Kingdom. Despite the setback in the wild, the birds' presence contributes to the educational mission of the zoo. Unfortunately, their precise ages are currently shrouded in mystery. Given the current healthy populations of bald eagles in the wild, the pair "will not be part of a breeding program," as noted by Daryl Hoffman, the zoo's Vice President of Living Collections, in a report by WPXI.

The bald eagle's comeback is a significant success in wildlife conservation, with its population rising from fewer than 1,000 to over 300,000 in the lower 48 states. This recovery is mainly due to efforts to reduce harmful pesticides and anti-poaching solid laws. Although the eagles are now safely housed at a facility in Pittsburgh, the law still protects their feathers.

The story of Justice and Liberty nests within a larger narrative of Pittsburgh's relationship with bald eagles. The city is no stranger to these majestic birds, bringing local and online communities together through the eagles nesting along the Monongahela River in the Hays neighborhood. These local celebrities have garnered a dedicated following via live stream, despite the disappointment of fans this year when, the only egg laid failed to hatch after it cracked, according to an interview by CBS Pittsburgh.