In brief
For over a decade, the stunning eagles, inspired by JRR Tolkien's tales, have welcomed visitors and supported local tourism.
Wellington Airport is set to remove its iconic Hobbit-themed eagle sculptures, which have graced the terminal for more than ten years. The decision, announced earlier this week, will see the magnificent birds unfastened from the ceiling on Friday, making way for an undisclosed new exhibit. These giant eagles have served as significant symbols for fans of the legendary stories told by JRR Tolkien, particularly as they appeared in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, directed by New Zealand filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson.Matt Clarke, the CEO of Wellington Airport, expressed that this change would elicit emotions for those connected to the sculptures. Each eagle, weighing approximately 1.2 tonnes (1,200 kg) and boasting a wingspan of 15 meters (49 feet), will be stored without immediate plans for their future. Interestingly, one of the eagles features a sculpture of the beloved wizard, Gandalf, riding on its back. Crafted from polystyrene and reinforced with an internal steel skeleton, each eagle is adorned with hundreds of feathers, with the longest measuring 2.4 meters (8 feet).Although the eagles will be missed, enthusiasts of the franchise need not despair—Smaug the Magnificent, the dragon representing The Hobbit, will remain on display in the airport's check-in area. The towering sculptures were originally unveiled in 2013, amid the promotional activities around The Hobbit trilogy's release. Produced by Wētā Workshop, known for its intricate work in the film industry, the eagle sculptures drew considerable attention from tourists eager to partake in the landscapes of New Zealand depicted in the films.In light of the upcoming change, Wellington Airport is collaborating with Wētā Workshop for plans on a new, local-themed exhibit. Clarke hinted at exciting prospects, urging the public to stay tuned for further announcements about the exhibition later this year. This will not be the first time the eagles faced adversity; one collapsed during an earthquake in 2014, though fortunately, there were no injuries. As the iconic eagles prepare to take their flight into retirement, the airport calls for fond farewells and anticipates fresh experiences within its walls.
