Animal handlers have actually been left rushing after West Coast’s live eagle mascot left and landed amongst the crowd throughout a pre-match flight. As part of West Coast’s pre-match custom, ‘Auzzie the Eagle’ did a flight lap of Optus Stadium before Saturday’s AFL clash with St Kilda. SEE THE VIDEO ABOVE: Live eagle leaves in AFL pre-game program. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today But after initially going back to his designated landing point in the middle of the oval, the eagle rapidly left and commenced flying to different parts of the 60,000-seat arena. The eagle landed amongst the crowd a number of times, investing a minute or more in each area before flying off once again. The ground commentator alerted fans not to approach the eagle, provided its “sharp talons”. West Coast CEO Don Pyke, the previous Adelaide Crows coach, signed up with arena authorities in trying to resolve the issue. The eagle was still flying around when the gamers from both sides came out on to the ground. Aussie discovered an area on a business box on the 3rd level. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images The accompanying fireworks triggered issues amongst some fans that the animal might be startled. After more than 10 minutes of liberty, the eagle was lastly captured after investing a number of minutes on a railing amongst the crowd. West Coast coach Simpson might see the lighter side of the escape. “He went rogue, Auzzie,” Simpson stated with a laugh. “It was ideal before the video game, so I was attempting to get the runner out to inform the girl to simply put that thing back in the centre circle– that’s where Auzzie wished to land. “But she understood what she was doing ultimately and she remained in package beside us. “Maybe there was a steak that Auzzie might smell because business box beside us.” – with 7NEWS
Live eagle gets away out of minder’s hands at West Coast AFL video game
