TO:           Ed Clark

FROM:    Dr. Dave McRuer, Director of Veterinary Medicine

The Norfolk Bald Eagle [#08-887] was re-evaluated in August 2009. For the past year, the eagle has been brought into the Wildlife Center clinic for periodic beak-trimming and management. However, the beak has not straightened as we would have hoped. At this point, it appears that, despite our best attempts, the germinal cells of the left side of the upper beak have been permanently altered. It is also likely that in addition to the distorted keratinized portion of the beak surface, the underlying skeletal component to the beak is also deviated to the left.

It is our professional opinion that, due to these apparently permanent changes to the beak, lifelong management will be necessary in order for this eagle to thrive. If the bird were to be released, the beak would continue to grow until he could no longer open or close the mouth. This undoubtedly would result in the eagle’s eventual starvation and death.

In addition to the beak, the Norfolk eagle’s general demeanor is not conducive to living in the wild. Due to the extensive treatment and procedural regime from a young age and the corresponding human contact, the eagle appears to be habituated to humans. When entering this eagle’s enclosure, for example, it is possible to stand within several feet of him without any visible signs of distress. In fact, the eagle prefers to sit and chat, often tilting his head from side to side. The vocalization is a high-pitched chatter that is consistent with a begging call in young birds. In contrast, other non-habituated eagle patients with a “wild” personality fear humans and attempt to flee.

For these two main reasons, it is our recommendation that patient number 08-0877 be declared non-releasable.