Feeding Eagle

Traditional Kazakh eagle hunter and animal herder Alankush feeds his golden eagle in the Altai mountains of western Mongolia. Like many Kazakh men, Alankush followed in his father’s footsteps working with eagles from a young age. Aside from helping preserve an important and ancient Kazakh tradition, the eagles also help generate additional income for the family from the visitors who pay to see the magnificent birds in action. “We keep eagles mostly because it’s a traditional sport,” says Alaknkush. “All Kazakhs love to train eagles. We have a strong relationship – I look after her as if she was a baby.”