Hunting with eagles is an old tradition of Mongolian Kazaks, and has virtually no equivalent in other cultures. The birds do not come from breeding farms nor conclude their lives in captivity. It does happen that Kazaks snatch nestlings, but these birds are not as valued as the wild-captured, mature ones. After five years of service, the eagle is restored to freedom with a guarantee of liberty until the end of its life. In the world of Mongolian steppes loyalty is the supreme virtue ñ the condition for survival. The eagle and man somehow yield to this rule. The first returns, although no one would be able to retain it. The second respects the buyback agreement, although no court sanctions it.