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UPDATE: Aurora the falcon able to fly in her pen

Posted at 9:01 AM, Nov 04, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-04 15:57:12-05
Air Force Falcons mascot Aurora spreads her wings prior to the 2015 Army in Colorado Springs via KOAA

WEST POINT, N.Y. – The mascot of Air Force Falcons was injured during a prank pulled prior to the annual college football rivalry game Saturday between US Military Academy and US Air Force Academy.

Aurora, a 22-year-old falcon, suffered from an undisclosed injury after the bird of prey was reportedly removed from the home of an Army colonel as part of a prank leading up to the game. The U.S. Military Academy apologized for the incident in a statement posted on Facebook stating that the matter is currently under investigation.

“We are taking this situation very seriously, and this occurrence does not reflect the Army or USMA core values of dignity and respect,” the statement reads. “An apology was given to the U.S. Air Force Academy for this unfortunate incident.”

Air Force Academy spokesperson, Lt. Col. Tracy A. Bunko said that Aurora returned home Saturday night and as of this morning was able to fly around in her pen.

“She will see a specialist later today who will determine if x-rays are necessary, but this is an extremely good sign,” Bunko said. “We will continue to evaluate her and administer antibiotics to prevent an infection.”

Bunko added that Air Force Academy is grateful for the outpouring of support and optimistic about Aurora’s recovery.