Wellington Airport Is Taking Down Its Giant Lord of the Rings Eagles and I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying

For over a decade, travelers at Wellington Airport in New Zealand have had the honor (and occasional jump scare) of boarding flights beneath two massive eagles from The Hobbit, one of which carries Gandalf himself, screaming into the eternal terminal void. These beasts have 50-foot wingspans, weigh over a ton each, and somehow made even airport food courts feel epic.

And now… they're coming down.
Why? Because the airport wants a "new theme." Which is a little like saying, "We've decided the Eiffel Tower is outdated. Let's try a nice contemporary pergola instead."

The eagles were made by Wētā Workshop, the same absolute wizards behind the props and effects of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Each one has 1,000 3D-printed feathers. They are iconic. They are New Zealand. And now they're going into storage like some forgotten relics in the Mines of Moria.

I'd love to say I respect the decision… but honestly? I'd rather steal one. I have no room for a flying beast in my house, but I will make it work. A wing in the hallway. Gandalf above the sink. Whatever it takes.

Travelers have until Friday to snap one last pic before they pass into the undying lands, or a museum, if we're lucky. At least Smaug is still sticking around to judge your luggage weight from above.