A ferry has marked its 30th birthday by welcoming a VIB – a very important bird.
Red Funnel’s Red Eagle, a vehicle ferry, celebrated the milestone on April 29 by hosting an 11-year-old bald eagle named Kailani during her rehoming journey to the Isle of Wight.
She was en route to The Falconry Experience at Robin Hill Country Park, where she is now settling in.
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Fran Collins, chief executive of Red Funnel, said: "Marking Red Eagle’s 30th birthday with such a special passenger on board was the perfect way to celebrate.
"Eagles, kestrels, falcons and ospreys are all part of the Island’s natural heritage, and we’re proud to work alongside animal charities and organisations like The Falconry Experience to help protect them.
"As Red Eagle celebrates this milestone, we look forward to many more years of making important crossings for everyone who calls the Island home – including our feathered friends."
Kailani travelled with her handler, Charlotte Bell, co-director of The Falconry Experience.
Ms Bell said: "Kailani has settled in incredibly well in the short time we’ve had her.
"She’s building a strong bond with myself, and her confidence is growing every day.
"She’s currently regrowing her damaged feathers, it’s amazing to see her transformation already underway and we can’t wait for the day this beautiful Bald Eagle takes to the skies again."
During her time on board, Kailani visited the bridge and met crew members, including Master Matthew and Mater Lewis.
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Red Eagle has appeared at significant events including the Trafalgar 200 Fleet Review by HM The Queen in 2005 and was temporarily renamed Red Squirrel in 2008 to support the endangered native species.
Kailani’s journey means Red Funnel has now welcomed three bird-named ferries with their avian counterparts.
Previously, a falcon travelled on the Red Falcon and a kestrel on the Red Kestrel.
Red Funnel has said it now plans to welcome an osprey onto the Red Osprey to complete the set.
Red Funnel previously said they are looking to replace its Raptor class vessels – Red Osprey, Red Eagle and Red Falcon.
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