As Kevin Hart purchases two eagles and names them after Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, fans question, “Wait, isn’t that illegal?”

Kevin Hart, the comedian known for his sharp wit and playful antics, made headlines when he decided to purchase two eagles, naming them after two of the NFL’s most prominent stars: Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. The story quickly gained traction in the sports and entertainment worlds, drawing attention not just for its unique nature, but for the questions it raised about legality. “Wait, isn’t that illegal?” fans, and even some wildlife experts, asked, igniting a fiery debate about animal ownership, wildlife conservation laws, and the ethical implications of keeping such majestic creatures as pets.

The Celebrity Purchase: Kevin Hart’s Eagled Adventure

Kevin Hart’s penchant for humor often transcends his stand-up routines and film roles. The 44-year-old actor, producer, and entrepreneur regularly finds ways to make a splash in the media. But purchasing two eagles was an unexpected turn, even for someone as unpredictable as Hart.

Hart took to social media to share his excitement about the new additions to his family. In a playful video, he introduced the two birds, noting that their names were a tribute to Hurts, the dynamic quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Barkley, the electric running back for the New York Giants. The names alone raised some eyebrows—after all, it’s not every day you hear of someone buying eagles and naming them after famous football players. But what really sparked the conversation was the very act of purchasing the birds.

In the video, Hart shared how he had long admired the strength and beauty of eagles, citing them as symbols of freedom and power. With his humor always at the ready, he even joked about the birds’ ability to soar to new heights—metaphorically speaking, of course, just as Hurts and Barkley do on the field. However, while the comedian’s excitement and humor were palpable, it was clear that many viewers were more concerned about the legal aspects of such a purchase.

The Question of Legality: Is It Even Legal to Own an Eagle?

As the internet buzzed with questions about Hart’s purchase, one common inquiry stood out: “Isn’t owning an eagle illegal?” For many, the idea of a celebrity like Hart buying such a powerful and endangered bird felt outlandish and concerning. The answer to the question, as it turns out, is more nuanced than it initially seems.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

In the United States, owning a wild eagle is, in fact, illegal under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) of 1940. This law was enacted to protect the two species of eagles native to North America: the bald eagle and the golden eagle. The BGEPA makes it a federal crime to “take, possess, sell, purchase, or barter” these birds, or any part of them, without a special permit. The act also includes strict penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment.

The law was designed to safeguard eagles, which had faced near-extinction in the early 20th century due to hunting, habitat destruction, and the widespread use of pesticides. As a result, bald eagles were officially listed as endangered in the 1960s, though their populations have since rebounded thanks to conservation efforts. Despite this recovery, the law remains in place to ensure that eagles are not exploited or harmed.

Given that the birds in question—whether they are bald or golden eagles—are protected under the BGEPA, the idea that Hart could have simply purchased them is, in most cases, outright impossible. Legal ownership of such birds is only allowed under very specific circumstances, such as for educational or scientific purposes, or through a special permit granted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

The Ethics of Eagle Ownership

Beyond the legalities, the ethics of owning an eagle—or any wild animal for that matter—are a point of contention. Many wildlife conservationists and animal rights advocates argue that wild animals, especially majestic creatures like eagles, should not be kept as pets. Eaglets, or baby eagles, are often hand-reared by wildlife experts before being released into the wild, and even then, their care is provided with the goal of preserving their natural instincts and behaviors.

Wildlife experts frequently warn that attempting to domesticate a wild animal can have severe consequences, both for the animal and for its human caretaker. Eagles are incredibly intelligent and powerful birds, and even under the best of circumstances, they do not thrive in captivity. Their needs are complex, requiring vast spaces to fly, hunt, and roam—none of which can be adequately met in a typical residential setting.

Hart’s fans, many of whom idolize him for his down-to-earth nature and love of humor, were divided on the issue. While some took to social media in defense of Hart, suggesting that he would never do anything illegal or unethical, others voiced concerns about the potential harm he could be causing by keeping such birds.

One Twitter user pointed out that “Kevin Hart might have the means to house two eagles, but it doesn’t make it okay.” Another commenter chimed in, saying, “It’s not just about the law—it’s about respecting the freedom and rights of these incredible creatures.”

The Role of Permits and Wildlife Sanctuaries

For anyone interested in legally working with or owning an eagle, permits are crucial. Special permits are issued to qualified individuals and organizations that meet strict guidelines, such as licensed wildlife rehabilitators, educational institutions, and bird conservationists. These permits allow for the temporary possession of eagles for specific purposes, such as rehabilitation or educational demonstrations.

However, even with the necessary permits, the conditions under which eagles are kept are highly regulated. They are never meant to be kept as pets in the traditional sense. Instead, those who care for eagles in a sanctuary or rehabilitation setting must ensure that their facilities meet specific standards for the bird’s well-being, including adequate space, proper nutrition, and a focus on maintaining the bird’s natural behavior.

The Case for Conservation and Responsible Wildlife Care

The discussion surrounding Kevin Hart’s eagles serves as a reminder of the larger issues at play in wildlife conservation. While eagles are no longer as endangered as they once were, they are still vulnerable in many parts of the world. Habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal hunting remain ongoing threats to eagle populations, and many species of eagles are still classified as “near threatened” or “vulnerable.”

It’s important to emphasize that owning or interacting with eagles should be done responsibly and legally. Hart’s situation, whether it was a publicity stunt, a misunderstanding, or something more serious, draws attention to the need for greater awareness of wildlife laws and the importance of preserving natural habitats. The real focus should be on supporting conservation efforts that allow these animals to live freely in their natural environment, rather than in human-owned spaces.

Hart’s Response: Setting the Record Straight

As rumors swirled around the internet, Kevin Hart took to his social media platforms to clarify his position. In a follow-up video, Hart joked about the situation, acknowledging that owning eagles was indeed illegal, and reassuring his fans that he was only playing around. It turned out that the eagles in question were part of a stunt for one of his upcoming projects, and that they were, in fact, part of a professional wildlife sanctuary. The eagles were not in Hart’s private possession, nor were they being kept as pets.

Hart’s clarification settled some of the concerns, but the incident sparked a broader conversation about celebrity culture, the ethics of animal ownership, and the legal complexities surrounding wildlife conservation. While Hart’s intention was never to break the law, his decision to publicize the purchase raised important questions about responsible stewardship of animals, particularly those that are protected under the law.

A Lesson in Law, Ethics, and Conservation

Kevin Hart’s eagles may have been part of a larger comedic gesture or a clever promotional tactic, but the public reaction highlighted the growing awareness of wildlife laws and ethical concerns surrounding animal ownership. The incident serves as an important reminder that when it comes to wild animals—especially those as iconic and majestic as eagles—there is a fine line between admiration and exploitation.

Whether or not Hart intended to break any laws, the lesson is clear: wildlife conservation should always be a priority, and any interaction with wild animals should be guided by respect for their natural behaviors and habitats. The humor and celebrity drama may have captured the public’s attention, but the real story lies in the ongoing conversation about how we as a society engage with the creatures that share our planet.