Georgia Southern announces Freedom II as new bald eagle mascot

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - A new bald eagle will soar over Eagle Nation this weekend.

Georgia Southern University has announced its new mascot, Freedom II.

Freedom II will continue the spirit that Freedom brought to campus from 2004 until March 2025, when she passed away.

Freedom II was rescued from Florida. At less than one year old, experts at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey discovered she had West Nile virus - which caused extensive neurologic and nerve damage that impacted her vision.

The bald eagle was nurtured back to health, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gave her to GSU’s Center for Wildlife Education.

University faculty worked with Freedom II for several years, going through training to strengthen her vision and trust in hopes of her following Freedom’s path of flying over Paulson Stadium.

“Georgia Southern University is thrilled to share Freedom II with our fans and supporters at this weekend’s game,” Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero said. “Having a live bald eagle at our athletic events has been a University tradition for many years. Continuing this tradition by introducing Freedom II, also our nation’s symbol, at a game where we are honoring our service members, will be an incredible moment and an occasion remembered for years to come.”

Georgia Southern football hosts Coastal Carolina Saturday, Nov. 15. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.