Bald Eagle #14-0687

Species Name (EN): 
Species Name (LA): 
Admission Date: 
May 14, 2014
Release Date: 
July 8, 2014
Location of Rescue: 
Virginia Beach, VA
Cause of Admission / Condition: 
Unable to fly
Prognosis: 
Outcome: 
Patient Status: 
Patient Archive
Released

On May 12, a juvenile Bald Eagle was found down on the ground in Sandbridge, Virginia Beach. The bird was unable fly and was easily captured. It was transported to a local emergency clinic before it was referred to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. A volunteer transporter drove the bird to the Wildlife Center on May 14.

Dr. Rich Sim, the Center’s veterinary fellow, examined the eagle shortly after it arrived. Dr. Rich found the one-year-old bird to be thin and dehydrated; blood work revealed a mildly low level of protein, likely due to poor nutrition. The eagle also has an old, healing retinal scar in its left eye, though this should not affect vision. No fractures were noted on radiographs.

The eagle was given fluids, anti-inflammatories, and was placed in the Center’s holding room. The Wildlife Center staff will offer supportive care and cage rest for several days before assessing the eagle’s ability to fly.

The Center depends on the donations of caring individuals to provide veterinary care to wildlife and training in wildlife veterinary medicine. Please help!
 

Updates

July 8, 2014

Bald Eagle #14-0687 was successfully released at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center on Tuesday, July 8. A crowd of more than 150 people were in attendance.

Wildlife Center president Ed Clark released the bird at the Owl Creek Public Boat Ramp. After the bird was released, it flew to a nearby tree. Crows came to investigate; after a 10-minute rest, the eagle flew in large, high circles over the release area, before turning south and heading in the direction of Sandbridge.

Bald Eagle#14-0687 Release


Here are several photos and a video from Todd Corillo at WTKR:

Photo property of Linda Vetter:

Photos from the Virginia Aquarium:


 

Eagle Release in the News:

Rehabbed Bald Eagle Freed in Virginia Beach, PilotOnline.com

Bald Eagle Released Back into the Wild, WAVY-TV

July 3, 2014

Bald Eagle #14-0687 has been flying well in flight pen A1. On July 2, pre-release blood work was drawn for analysis; results came back within normal limits. The Wildlife Center staff began exploring release options in Virginia Beach, where the eagle was rescued.

The Bald Eagle will be released on Tuesday, July 8 at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. The release will take place at 11:00 a.m.; those interested in attending the release are asked to asked to meet Ed Clark at the East Parking Lot of the Aquarium. If you are interested in attending the release, please RSVP to ksluiter@wildlifecenter.org.
 

June 24, 2014

Bald Eagle #14-0687 has been exercising well during the past week. The bird is a strong flier and is flying about 12-15 times during each session. After Bald Eagle #14-0450 is released, #14-0687 will be moved to A1 for additional exercise and monitoring. If all goes well, the bird will be released in early July.

June 18, 2014

Bald Eagle #14-0687 was moved to flight pen A2 on June 14. After a few days of settling in, the eagle began a daily exercise program on June 18. Certified wildlife rehabilitator Amber reports that the eagle flew the length of the pen 12 times during its first session! Exercise will continue during the next two weeks; if all goes well, the staff hope that the eagle could be released soon.

May 20, 2014

Bald Eagle #14-0687 has been eating well and gaining weight at the Wildlife Center. On May 15, the eagle was moved in its crate to the Center’s outdoor metal cage complex – Dr. Rich wanted to continue to cage rest the eagle, but wanted the eagle to be in a quieter outdoor location. If the eagle continues to do well, the veterinary team will move the bird to larger C-pen enclosure on May 22.

Share This Page