{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 033 - Goldie And His Bid For Freedom (1965)","description":"Rainbow Valley - bringing you the stories from the decade that shook the world. Join your host, Scott, as this week he recounts the tale of Goldie\u2014the golden eagle who soared into the hearts of Londoners in 1965 with his daring escapades!   Episode 033 - Goldie And His Bid For Freedom   Picture this: it\u2019s a chilly February day, and Goldie, a majestic golden eagle residing at London Zoo, decides he\u2019s had enough of the cage life. While his keepers are cleaning his enclosure, Goldie seizes the moment and takes off into the skies above Regent\u2019s Park, leaving behind his mate, Regina, and a trail of chaos. For the next 12 days, Goldie became the talk of the town. He wasn\u2019t just any escapee; he was a celebrity. Crowds flocked to Regent\u2019s Park to catch a glimpse of the rebellious raptor, causing traffic jams as drivers circled the area hoping for a sighting. Goldie, meanwhile, was living his best life\u2014gliding over the park, exploring nearby neighborhoods like Camden Town and Tottenham Court Road, and occasionally indulging in some predatory mischief. He even made headlines for snacking on a duck in the garden of Winfield House, the residence of the U.S. Ambassador. Talk about dining in style! The zoo\u2019s keepers tried everything to lure Goldie back. They borrowed equipment from the Royal Navy and Civil Defence Corps, and even enlisted the help of BBC reporter John Timpson, who attempted to charm Goldie with an Ethiopian bird pipe. Spoiler alert: Goldie wasn\u2019t impressed. He also had a run-in with two terriers in the park, but their owner managed to fend him off. Goldie was clearly enjoying his freedom, and the British public couldn\u2019t get enough of his antics. He was even mentioned in a debate in the House of Commons, where MPs greeted his name with cheers. Eventually, hunger got the better of Goldie. On March 11, the zoo\u2019s deputy head keeper tempted him with a dead rabbit, and Goldie swooped down for what would be his last picnic in the park. The keeper approached quietly, secured Goldie\u2019s legs, and brought him back to the zoo. Goldie was in good health and reunited with Regina, much to the delight of visitors. In fact, the zoo\u2019s attendance nearly doubled after his return\u2014Goldie was a true crowd-puller. But Goldie wasn\u2019t done with his Houdini act. Later that year, in December, he escaped again! This time, his freedom lasted only four days before he was recaptured. Goldie\u2019s escapades cemented his status as one of London Zoo\u2019s most famous residents, and his story remains a delightful chapter in the city\u2019s history.   You can follow the podcast on Twitter @rv_podcast Or send us your thoughts and feedback at rainbowvalleypod@gmail.com   This has been a Stinking Pause production Thanks for listening Scott         ","author_name":"Rainbow Valley","author_url":"http:\/\/rainbowvalley.libsyn.com\/podcast","html":"