Budweiser's latest Super Bowl ad has brought an unlikely pair of friends to the big screen: Lincoln, a majestic bald eagle with a trash-picking past, and his equine companion on a scenic farm. The beer brand's 150th-anniversary commercial showcases an adorable bond between the two animals as they grow up together.
But what many may not know is that Lincoln has been soaring through Philadelphia skies for years, entertaining Eagles fans at Lincoln Financial Field with his national anthem performances. His appearances began two seasons ago, when he replaced Challenger, a bald eagle trained to fly over stadium events.
Lincoln's story is one of rescue and rehabilitation. He was brought to the American Eagle Foundation in Tennessee as part of a breeding program in the early 2000s, after the species had been listed as endangered in the US due to pesticide contamination, habitat loss, and lead poisoning. Despite his natural instincts failing him twice during attempts at release, Lincoln eventually found a new purpose with AEF.
The foundation's training methods focus on "bird-first behavior," where trainers work to build trust with each bird through positive reinforcement and gentle interactions. Lincoln proved an eager pupil, engaging with his trainers in a way similar to a toddler trying to communicate.
As AEF expanded its relationships with other organizations, Lincoln was given the chance to shine as part of a Budweiser Super Bowl ad. The commercial celebrates the brand's 150th anniversary by pairing Lincoln with a Clydesdale horse on a picturesque farm. The result is an unforgettable bond between two unlikely friends that will leave viewers teary-eyed.
The collaboration between AEF and Budweiser was smooth, with trainers working closely with animal behaviorists to build trust with both animals. Henry-Alex Rubin, the commercial director, praised the foundation's methods, saying they were a "dream come true" for their team.
Lincoln's real-life adventures have left his mark on American culture. From presidential inaugurations to World Series games, he has flown high above Philadelphia and beyond. His presence in South Philly is a testament to AEF's tireless efforts to rehabilitate these magnificent birds.
As for Hall, the CEO of AEF, seeing her late father's favorite song, "Free Bird," in the final cut of the commercial brought tears to her eyes. She hopes that the ad will raise awareness about the work done by AEF and strengthen America's connection with its national symbol – one beyond beer.
But what many may not know is that Lincoln has been soaring through Philadelphia skies for years, entertaining Eagles fans at Lincoln Financial Field with his national anthem performances. His appearances began two seasons ago, when he replaced Challenger, a bald eagle trained to fly over stadium events.
Lincoln's story is one of rescue and rehabilitation. He was brought to the American Eagle Foundation in Tennessee as part of a breeding program in the early 2000s, after the species had been listed as endangered in the US due to pesticide contamination, habitat loss, and lead poisoning. Despite his natural instincts failing him twice during attempts at release, Lincoln eventually found a new purpose with AEF.
The foundation's training methods focus on "bird-first behavior," where trainers work to build trust with each bird through positive reinforcement and gentle interactions. Lincoln proved an eager pupil, engaging with his trainers in a way similar to a toddler trying to communicate.
As AEF expanded its relationships with other organizations, Lincoln was given the chance to shine as part of a Budweiser Super Bowl ad. The commercial celebrates the brand's 150th anniversary by pairing Lincoln with a Clydesdale horse on a picturesque farm. The result is an unforgettable bond between two unlikely friends that will leave viewers teary-eyed.
The collaboration between AEF and Budweiser was smooth, with trainers working closely with animal behaviorists to build trust with both animals. Henry-Alex Rubin, the commercial director, praised the foundation's methods, saying they were a "dream come true" for their team.
Lincoln's real-life adventures have left his mark on American culture. From presidential inaugurations to World Series games, he has flown high above Philadelphia and beyond. His presence in South Philly is a testament to AEF's tireless efforts to rehabilitate these magnificent birds.
As for Hall, the CEO of AEF, seeing her late father's favorite song, "Free Bird," in the final cut of the commercial brought tears to her eyes. She hopes that the ad will raise awareness about the work done by AEF and strengthen America's connection with its national symbol – one beyond beer.
I'm loving this heartwarming story about Lincoln the bald eagle! 
You know, I was at a baseball game last summer and saw some amazing birds soaring overhead... it made me realize how lucky we are to have these incredible creatures in our country. Budweiser's Super Bowl ad is all about celebrating friendship and the beauty of nature, which is just what we need more of in today's world 
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. I love how the AEF trained him using positive reinforcement, it just goes to show that with patience and kindness, even the most unlikely animals can thrive. And can we talk about how adorable those two animals are together? The farm scene in the commercial is giving me all the feels 
. I mean, he went from being a trash-picking bird to performing the national anthem at Eagles games and now even starring in a Super Bowl ad with his horse friend 
. It's amazing how far he's come! And it's awesome that the foundation's methods are getting some recognition for helping these incredible birds thrive again 
. I'm not surprised Hall, the CEO of AEF, got emotional seeing her dad's favorite song in the commercial - it's a beautiful tribute to their work and the eagle's journey 
! The way they paired Lincoln, the adorable bald eagle, with a Clydesdale horse was pure magic 
. I love how it shows their unlikely friendship growing up together on this farm 
! I'm so glad he got a second chance at life. The way the AEF team worked with Budweiser to bring him into the commercial was seamless, and it really highlights the importance of conservation efforts like theirs 
. It's amazing to see how this ad can raise awareness for organizations like AEF and inspire people to care more about our national symbols 
! Like, have u heard he's been performin at Eagles games in Philly for 2 seasons now? 
And the trainers @ American Eagle Foundation (AEF) are total rockstars for rehabbin him and turnin him into a pro performer! 
Their "bird-first behavior" approach is literally genius. I'm not surprised they landed that collaboration with Budweiser tho, those guys know how to bring people together 
Hall got emotional over her dad's fave song?! That's so adorbs! Anywayz, it's clear AEF is doin somethin right 
! He was rescued from being endangered due to pesticides and stuff, so kudos to him for getting a second chance 
. And I'm sure it wasn't easy making this ad with these animals, but it looks super well done 
. Hall from AEF was so emotional when she saw her dad's favorite song in the commercial, that's really beautiful 
. Overall, I think the commercial does a great job of celebrating both Lincoln's story and Budweiser's 150th anniversary in a heartwarming and entertaining way 
Like, yeah, he had a trash-picking past, but who doesn't have some questionable moments in their childhood? 
And on the other hand, his story being used for a beer commercial is kinda weird too... like, isn't it more about the animals than just selling Budweiser? 
I mean, can you believe this eagle was rescued from pesticide contamination and lead poisoning? He's got a trash-picking past, but now he's soaring high above stadiums and bringing joy to millions! 
Like, what a comeback story! And I'm low-key emotional about the fact that his trainers used "bird-first behavior" to build trust with him, it's like they really got on his birdie wavelength 
it's amazing that they can do such great work w/ rehabilitating birds like lincoln. i'm all for budweiser wanting to be 'socially responsible' and using their platform 4 good, but cmon can't we just cut the commercial fluff & give more money to actual orgs doing the heavy lifting? 
like instead of a $10m ad campaign they could invest in some real conservation efforts. also why do all these celebrity endorsements have to be so cheesy? 
Lincoln, the bald eagle with a trash-picking past, is SO CUTE 
. The commercial is not just about beer (although who doesn't love a good brew? 
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. I'm also loving how the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) is doing its thing, rehabilitating these amazing birds and giving them a second chance at life. It's so inspiring to see Hall, the CEO of AEF, getting emotional over her dad's favorite song - it just shows how much heart goes into this whole project 
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. I think it's so cool that his trainers used "bird-first behavior" methods, focusing on building trust through positive reinforcement. It shows that rehabilitation can be done in a way that respects the animals' natural instincts 
it's a huge testament to their dedication and expertise. and i love that they're not just about rehabilitating eagles, but also raising awareness about conservation efforts 
And don't even get me started on the whole "bird-first behavior" thing. What are they hiding?