August 24, 2009

 TO:         The Wildlife Center of Virginia Community

 FROM:     Edward E. Clark, Jr.
                     President and Co-Founder, Wildlife Center of Virginia

         Earlier this month, I asked Dr. Dave McRuer, the Director of Veterinary Medicine at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, to do a formal evaluation of Case #08-0887, the Norfolk Bald Eagle.  As you know, this bird was brought to the Center in May 2008 from its nest at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, with what turned out to be a particularly virulent case of Avian Pox.  

         Based on a review of the bird’s treatment over the past 15 months, evaluation of the curvature of the eagle’s beak, and the habituation of this young bird to humans, Dr. Dave has recommended that #08-887 be classified as a non-releasable animal.  I concur in that judgment.

        Despite an unprecedented effort by our veterinary and rehabilitation staff, including support and consultation with several of the world’s top experts on avian surgery, the eagle’s beak continues to grow with a significant misalignment – a curvature which will need to be corrected every few weeks.  It is likely that the damage to the growth plate of the eagle’s beak occurred before the bird was admitted to the Wildlife Center; the damage may even have been done before the external Avian Pox lesion was first spotted by eagle watchers.  In very young birds, even minor issues can result in significant problems, and this was anything but a minor issue.

        The question now is what’s next – what’s the best placement for this young eagle? 

        Our sense is that this eagle will continue to do very well in captivity.  Since he does not appear to be unduly stressed by the sights and sounds of humans, our hope is that he could have a future as an education or display animal.  We will need to decide if 08-887 stays with us here at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, or if the bird should be placed in another education-based wildlife facility.  One of the considerations will be appropriate housing for a fully flighted bird.  Wherever he ends up, frequent beak trims will also be a requirement for the rest of his life.  The capacity to provide such specialized care must be a consideration for permanent placement.   For the time being, and on a probationary basis, 08-0887 will be housed in a large outdoor pen adjacent to some of the Center’s education animals [his neighbors will be a Golden Eagle and a Red-tailed Hawk].   We will closely monitor his adjustment to his new surroundings and his new neighbors.

        Many individuals have played a role in this bird’s rescue and care.  Thanks to the presence of the webcam focused on the nest, and the keen observation skills of eagle watchers both in Norfolk and online around the world, the Avian Pox infection was noticed while there was still time to intervene.  Otherwise, the viral lesion would surely have killed the chick within the first few months of life.  Instead, thanks to volunteers, regional biologists, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries officials, park workers, and many others, the eagle ended up in our hands at the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

        During this bird’s tenure at the Wildlife Center, the eagle’s case has offered training opportunities for 32 visiting veterinary students, five visiting veterinary technician students, more than 20 rehabilitation trainees, and countless volunteers.   The eagle continues to be followed by a network of loyal fans across the country – indeed, around the world.  For our part, the Center will continue to provide periodic updates on 08-887 through the special section of the Center’s website. 

        At this point, given all of the options of which we are currently aware, #08-0887 will remain at the Wildlife Center of Virginia for the foreseeable future.  He will be transferred from the list of active patients [under our wildlife rehabilitation permit] and added to our collection of non-releasable “educational” birds, as authorized by our Eagle Exhibition permit, issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  While I reserve the ability to review and revise my decision, based on the organizational needs of the Wildlife Center of Virginia and the best interests of the bird, for the time being we welcome #08-0887 to his new role as ambassador for his species, and teacher, at the Wildlife Center of Virginia.