Air Force Academy's live mascot Aurora dies at 23
Aurora, the Air Force Academy's 23-year-old live falcon mascot, passed away Wednesday, the school said.
The white phase gyrfalcon had been the school's mascot for more than two decades — the longest-serving live mascot in school history. She could reach flying speeds of 200 mph during dives, but those close to the program will remember her for more than that.
"In addition to serving as an ambassador for USAFA, she was an ambassador for all falcons, helping us educate the public on the importance of these majestic birds," the school said in a statement. "Her impact on the nearly 30 class years of cadet falconers and Falconry Team support staff cannot be overstated. She was a feisty, spirited bird who commanded respect. We all feel her loss deeply."
Trained and tended to by cadet falconers, Aurora spent all but one year of her life at Air Force. Her specific species is rare among falcons; three percent of falcons are gyrfalcons, and only one percent of that three percent are white.
Aurora brushed off death less than a year ago, when two Army cadets captured her in a prank. She was recovered with bloodied wings and, given her advanced age, was nearly euthanized. Aurora's condition improved quickly, though, and she made a fully recovery within a month.
Contributing: Associated Press