For over ten years, visitors to Wellington Airport have been greeted by a captivating pair of eagle sculptures inspired by JRR Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit." These iconic representations of the mythical creatures will soon be removed from the airport's ceiling this Friday, making way for a new mystery attraction, airport officials announced.
The eagles serve as homage to the incredible landscapes featured in Sir Peter Jackson's films, drawing countless tourists to New Zealand. Wellington Airport CEO, Matt Clarke, expressed the bittersweet emotions surrounding the departure of these beloved figures, emphasizing their role in the airport experience.
Each eagle weighs an impressive 1.2 metric tons and boasts a wingspan of 15 meters (49 feet). One of the eagles even features a sculpture of the wizard Gandalf riding atop its back. The birds were meticulously crafted from polystyrene, with an internal steel framework and thousands of feathers, the longest of which measures an astonishing 2.4 meters (8 feet).
Originally unveiled in 2013 in conjunction with the release of the "Hobbit" film trilogy, the sculptures were designed by the renowned Wētā Workshop, known for its dedication to creating authentic props and costumes linked to the "Lord of the Rings" series.
While the eagles are set for storage without immediate plans for their future, Clarke reassured fans that there will be a locally-themed replacement, promising an announcement later this year. In the meantime, fans of the franchise can still find solace in the continued presence of Smaug the Magnificent, the dragon from "The Hobbit," which will remain displayed at the check-in area.
The sculptures have experienced their share of challenges, including a notable incident in 2014 when one of the eagles fell during an earthquake; fortunately, no injuries were reported. As Wellington Airport embarks on this new chapter amid changing exhibits, the legacy of these iconic eagles will not be forgotten.
