On April 1, a Bald Eagle nest at Seven Bends State Park in Shenandoah County blew out of its tree. Eagle biologists monitored the situation and found that during the next week, the parent eagles continued to feed their offspring, but by April 8, the biologists suspected that the young eaglet was not using its wings properly. State eagle biologist Jeff Cooper decided to bring the young bird to the Wildlife Center of Virginia for further assessment.
Current Patients
Bald Eaglet #23-0621
Bald Eagle #23-0749
On April 23, two Bald Eagles were seen fighting in King William County, Virginia. One bird flew off and was unable to be caught, but the second large eagle was found down on the ground with several wounds on her face and feet. The bird was taken to Tidewater Wildlife Rescue for stabilization, and transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia for treatment the following day.
Bald Eagle #23-0710 [K62]
On April 19, a young Bald Eagle was found grounded on the beach in Cape Charles, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The eagle had recently been eating a rotting beached whale and was quiet and unable to fly when she was found. Wildlife rehabilitator Jodie Sokel was able to capture the bird and provided supportive care until the eagle was transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia the following day.
Latest Update: May 22, 2023
On May 10, Bald Eagle #23-0710 was moved to the Center's A3 flight pen, a large flight enclosure designed for eagles and other large birds of prey. The rehabilitation staff report that the bird is eating well and putting on weight; as of May 22, the eagle weighed in at 3.78 kg (a solid increase from her admission weight of 2.94 kg). The bird is flying well in the large flight space and has multiple other eagle roommates, including a hatch-year bird who is currently enclosed in the lofted tower of A3.
On April 19, a young Bald Eagle was found grounded on the beach in Cape Charles, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The eagle had recently been eating a rotting beached whale and was quiet and unable to fly when she was found. Wildlife rehabilitator Jodie Sokel was able to capture the bird and provided supportive care until the eagle was transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia the following day.
Latest Update: May 5, 2023
During the past week, Bald Eagle #23-0710 has been showing some signs of recovery. Additional testing for lead toxicosis on April 26 showed that oral chelation therapy was successful in removing the remaining lead from the bird’s system, and the rehabilitation staff report that the bird is regularly consuming 100% of the fish and rat offered each day. While the eagle’s body condition score remains low, the bird weighed in at 3.6 kg on May 1, compared to 2.94 kg on admission.
Bald Eagle #22-3464
On October 27, an adult Bald Eagle was found injured on the side of the road in Chesapeake, Virginia. The eagle was likely injured due to a vehicle collision. Chesapeake Animal Services captured the bird and brought it to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow for initial treatment before transporting it to the Wildlife Center for further care.
Latest Update: May 22, 2023
During the past couple of months, Bald Eagle #22-3464 has continued to slowly heal in the Center’s A3 flight enclosure. The bird’s left elbow wound, noted at her admission in October, has proven quite challenging to treat, but slowly and steadily, the veterinary team has seen improvement during regular treatments and checks. By May 10, the elbow wound finally appeared that it has healed; a thick, secure scab was present, and the veterinary team finally was able to stop bandaging the bird’s wing.
On October 27, an adult Bald Eagle was found injured on the side of the road in Chesapeake, Virginia. The eagle was likely injured due to a vehicle collision. Chesapeake Animal Services captured the bird and brought it to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow for initial treatment before transporting it to the Wildlife Center for further care.
Latest Update: March 30, 2023
During the past three weeks, Bald Eagle #22-3464’s condition has remained stable, and the veterinary team determined that the eagle – thought to be female – was ready to transition from Metals to a larger outdoor enclosure. On March 24, she was moved to the partitioned raptor tower area of flight pen A3, adjacent to Bald Eagle #23-0147. In this outdoor space, veterinary staff will continue to perform bandage changes and check the wound on the eagle’s left elbow each day.
On October 27, an adult Bald Eagle was found injured on the side of the road in Chesapeake, Virginia. The eagle was likely injured due to a vehicle collision. Chesapeake Animal Services captured the bird and brought it to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow for initial treatment before transporting it to the Wildlife Center for further care.
Latest Update: March 2, 2023
Bald Eagle #22-3464 has spent the past month acclimating in Metals, one of the Center’s outdoor holding areas. While the wound on the eagle’s left wing has shown mild improvement, continued treatment is still required. On February 17, Dr. Marit cleaned and surgically debrided the area until healthy, bleeding edges were exposed, and medical honey and bandages were applied to promote healing.
On October 27, an adult Bald Eagle was found injured on the side of the road in Chesapeake, Virginia. The eagle was likely injured due to a vehicle collision. Chesapeake Animal Services captured the bird and brought it to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow for initial treatment before transporting it to the Wildlife Center for further care.
Latest Update: January 24, 2023
During the past two months, Bald Eagle #22-3464 has remained in Metals while receiving medical and rehabilitative care. On November 22, veterinary intern Dr. Olivia performed an additional surgery to further debride the wound on the eagle’s left wing. After removing dead and necrotic tissue from the injury site, Dr. Olivia was pleased to see healthy, bleeding tissue exposed. The area was flushed with a diluted iodine solution, and antibiotics were applied directly onto the exposed tissue before the veterinary team sutured the wound.
Buddy the Bald Eagle
On the morning of March 15, the veterinary team examined Buddy, the Center’s education Bald Eagle ambassador. Early in the week, the outreach staff had noticed dried blood around Buddy’s beak. At first, it seemed like he had food remnants stuck to the left side of his beak, which, while not entirely unusual for a bird of prey, was out of the ordinary for Buddy.
Latest Update: May 22, 2023
On May 10, Dr. Karra and LVT Jess brought Buddy into the hospital for another recheck of Buddy’s injured beak. Dr. Karra was pleased to find that the damaged beak continues to heal well and that the wound is almost completely granulated over the bone. Another layer of bone cement was reapplied to protect the beak since there were still some small exposed areas. Another recheck will be performed in 15-20 days, and likely no more bone cement will be needed at that point.
On the morning of March 15, the veterinary team examined Buddy, the Center’s education Bald Eagle ambassador. Early in the week, the outreach staff had noticed dried blood around Buddy’s beak. At first, it seemed like he had food remnants stuck to the left side of his beak, which, while not entirely unusual for a bird of prey, was out of the ordinary for Buddy.
Latest Update: April 25, 2023
On April 24, the vet team brought Buddy inside the hospital to recheck his injured beak. Dr. Karra was happy to report that the wound continues to heal well and has formed more granulation tissue. She reapplied bone cement to cover the wound and plans to check it again in two weeks; based on how things look, she's hopeful that it will be the last time she'll need to bandage his beak.
On the morning of March 15, the veterinary team examined Buddy, the Center’s education Bald Eagle ambassador. Early in the week, the outreach staff had noticed dried blood around Buddy’s beak. At first, it seemed like he had food remnants stuck to the left side of his beak, which, while not entirely unusual for a bird of prey, was out of the ordinary for Buddy.
Latest Update: April 6, 2023
On April 6, Dr. Karra and the vet team anesthetized Buddy to recheck his beak. After carefully removing the bone cement, Dr. Karra was happy to find that his wound is continuing to improve and has formed more healthy tissue. The healing process will still take quite some time, and how the damage to Buddy's beak will ultimately impact him is unclear, but it is an encouraging sign to see continued improvement.
On the morning of March 15, the veterinary team examined Buddy, the Center’s education Bald Eagle ambassador. Early in the week, the outreach staff had noticed dried blood around Buddy’s beak. At first, it seemed like he had food remnants stuck to the left side of his beak, which, while not entirely unusual for a bird of prey, was out of the ordinary for Buddy.
Latest Update: March 24, 2023
On March 24, Dr. Karra and the veterinary team anesthetized Buddy the Bald Eagle to re-examine his injured beak. After removing the bone cement that was covering his wound, Dr. Karra was pleased to find that the tissue and bone appeared healthy and that there was granulation tissue forming around the edge of the wound. This type of tissue injury takes a very long time to heal; the long-term prognosis is still unknown, and the wound is still quite significant, but it's encouraging to see healthy tissue forming.
Black Bear cubs of 2023
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: May 17, 2023
The three Black Bear cubs of 2023 are doing well and have been growing quickly. Cub #23-0529 [one ear] weighed in at 4.3 kg on May 15, and is still receiving bottles, mush bowls, and juvenile bear meals twice per day. Rehabilitation Team Lead Mac notes that the cub is highly energetic and is adjusting well to living side-by-side with Black Bear cubs #23-0681 and #23-0829 within the LMI 1 enclosure.
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: May 10, 2023
The Black Bear cubs of 2023 have been doing well during the past week. Black Bear #23-0529 [one ear] continues to be one of the more active cubs, and is very vocal throughout the day. She is eating well and gaining weight -- on May 8, she weighed in at 3.65 kg. Rehabilitation staff have transitioned to bottle feeding her twice per day while still offering mush bowls and juvenile bear meals twice per day. On May 3, she was transitioned into the full LMI 1 enclosure.
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: May 3, 2023
Black Bear cub #23-0529 [one ear] is doing well, and has been quite active in LMI during the past week. Rehabilitation Team Lead Mac reports that the cub is extremely interested in interacting with Black Bear cub #23-0681 [two ears], and has continued to show pacing behaviors in her enclosure outside of supervised playtime. She’s eating well and gaining weight – she regularly consumes 100% of the bottles that are offered three times per day, and usually eats solid foods overnight.
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: April 27, 2023
The first cub of 2023, #23-0529, has continued to do well during the past week. In addition to daily bottle feeding, the one-eared cub is now eating from mush bowls that the rehab team leaves for her, and she has increased in weight to 2.86kg. The rehab team notes that the cub has been intermittently pacing in her enclosure, likely because she does not have another cub to interact with. To provide socialization until cub #23-0681 can join her in LMI, the rehab team takes time to orchestrate "supervised" playtime each day. Take a look!
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: April 17, 2023
The first Black Bear cub of 2023 has been doing very well during the past week. Rehabilitation staff report that she responds excellently to bottle feeding, and almost always finishes the entire bottle during each feeding session three times per day. While the cub hasn’t shown much interest in bowl-feeding at this point, staff will continue to offer “mush bowls” twice per day. Black Bear cub #23-0529’s body condition has improved during the past week, as well – her most recent weight was 2.66 kg.
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Black Bear cub #23-0829
In the early afternoon on April 27, a railway conductor in Tazewell County saw a young bear cub near the bodies of a deceased sow and cub that had likely been hit by a train. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources staff were alerted, and the cub was safely captured in a nearby creek after running away during the rescue attempt. The cub was transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia later that same day.
Latest Update: May 10, 2023
The Black Bear cubs of 2023 have been doing well during the past week. Black Bear #23-0529 [one ear] continues to be one of the more active cubs, and is very vocal throughout the day. She is eating well and gaining weight -- on May 8, she weighed in at 3.65 kg. Rehabilitation staff have transitioned to bottle feeding her twice per day while still offering mush bowls and juvenile bear meals twice per day. On May 3, she was transitioned into the full LMI 1 enclosure.
Black Bear cub #23-0681
On April 17, a private citizen observed a young Black Bear cub by itself near a roadway in Franklin County, Virginia. After several hours, no sign of a sow was seen in the area and the private citizen contained the cub on their own, coming into direct physical contact with the bear in the process. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologists were later called to the scene, received the cub, and transported it to the Wildlife Center.
Latest Update: May 10, 2023
The Black Bear cubs of 2023 have been doing well during the past week. Black Bear #23-0529 [one ear] continues to be one of the more active cubs, and is very vocal throughout the day. She is eating well and gaining weight -- on May 8, she weighed in at 3.65 kg. Rehabilitation staff have transitioned to bottle feeding her twice per day while still offering mush bowls and juvenile bear meals twice per day. On May 3, she was transitioned into the full LMI 1 enclosure.
On April 17, a private citizen observed a young Black Bear cub by itself near a roadway in Franklin County, Virginia. After several hours, no sign of a sow was seen in the area and the private citizen contained the cub on their own, coming into direct physical contact with the bear in the process. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologists were later called to the scene, received the cub, and transported it to the Wildlife Center.
Latest Update: May 3, 2023
Black Bear cub #23-0529 [one ear] is doing well, and has been quite active in LMI during the past week. Rehabilitation Team Lead Mac reports that the cub is extremely interested in interacting with Black Bear cub #23-0681 [two ears], and has continued to show pacing behaviors in her enclosure outside of supervised playtime. She’s eating well and gaining weight – she regularly consumes 100% of the bottles that are offered three times per day, and usually eats solid foods overnight.
On April 17, a private citizen observed a young Black Bear cub by itself near a roadway in Franklin County, Virginia. After several hours, no sign of a sow was seen in the area and the private citizen contained the cub on their own, coming into direct physical contact with the bear in the process. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologists were later called to the scene, received the cub, and transported it to the Wildlife Center.
Latest Update: April 27, 2023
The first cub of 2023, #23-0529, has continued to do well during the past week. In addition to daily bottle feeding, the one-eared cub is now eating from mush bowls that the rehab team leaves for her, and she has increased in weight to 2.86kg. The rehab team notes that the cub has been intermittently pacing in her enclosure, likely because she does not have another cub to interact with. To provide socialization until cub #23-0681 can join her in LMI, the rehab team takes time to orchestrate "supervised" playtime each day. Take a look!
Black Bear cub #23-0529
On the evening of April 8, the first Black Bear cub of 2023 was admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia. After the lone cub had been observed for several days near a river in Bristol, Virginia with no sign of a sow in the area, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologist rescued the cub and transported it to the Center.
Latest Update: May 10, 2023
The Black Bear cubs of 2023 have been doing well during the past week. Black Bear #23-0529 [one ear] continues to be one of the more active cubs, and is very vocal throughout the day. She is eating well and gaining weight -- on May 8, she weighed in at 3.65 kg. Rehabilitation staff have transitioned to bottle feeding her twice per day while still offering mush bowls and juvenile bear meals twice per day. On May 3, she was transitioned into the full LMI 1 enclosure.
On the evening of April 8, the first Black Bear cub of 2023 was admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia. After the lone cub had been observed for several days near a river in Bristol, Virginia with no sign of a sow in the area, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologist rescued the cub and transported it to the Center.
Latest Update: May 3, 2023
Black Bear cub #23-0529 [one ear] is doing well, and has been quite active in LMI during the past week. Rehabilitation Team Lead Mac reports that the cub is extremely interested in interacting with Black Bear cub #23-0681 [two ears], and has continued to show pacing behaviors in her enclosure outside of supervised playtime. She’s eating well and gaining weight – she regularly consumes 100% of the bottles that are offered three times per day, and usually eats solid foods overnight.
On the evening of April 8, the first Black Bear cub of 2023 was admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia. After the lone cub had been observed for several days near a river in Bristol, Virginia with no sign of a sow in the area, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologist rescued the cub and transported it to the Center.
Latest Update: April 27, 2023
The first cub of 2023, #23-0529, has continued to do well during the past week. In addition to daily bottle feeding, the one-eared cub is now eating from mush bowls that the rehab team leaves for her, and she has increased in weight to 2.86kg. The rehab team notes that the cub has been intermittently pacing in her enclosure, likely because she does not have another cub to interact with. To provide socialization until cub #23-0681 can join her in LMI, the rehab team takes time to orchestrate "supervised" playtime each day. Take a look!
Eastern Screech-Owl #21-0509
On April 12, a visitor at Booker T. Washington Park in Charlottesville found a young fledgling Eastern Screech-Owl on the ground.
Latest Update: November 30, 2021
In August, Dr. Karra made the official decision that Eastern Screech-Owl #21-0509 was non-releasable due to permanent neurologic deficits. Since the outreach department has been open to accepting a new education screech-owl ambassador, Vice President for Outreach & Education Amanda decided to start an assessment to see if this owl could be a good fit.
On April 12, a visitor at Booker T. Washington Park in Charlottesville found a young fledgling Eastern Screech-Owl on the ground.
Latest Update: July 22, 2021
Eastern Screech-Owl #21-0509 has been doing well in his enclosure, along with several other young screech-owls. The bird no longer has any discernable head tilt, can successfully feed himself, and has been able to move to different perches within the enclosure. Within the past two weeks, the staff began a regular exercise program for all young owlets, in preparation for releasing them sometime during August. Unfortunately, the staff quickly discovered that, in a larger flight space, the Eastern Screech-Owl is having difficulty flying and navigating a larger space.
On April 12, a visitor at Booker T. Washington Park in Charlottesville found a young fledgling Eastern Screech-Owl on the ground.
Latest Update: June 22, 2021
Eastern Screech-Owl #21-0509 has been doing well in one of the Center's B-pens, along with three other owlets. The owlet's severe head tilt has improved in the past two weeks, though a slight head tilt remains. The owlet has not yet started a daily exercise program since its flight feathers are still growing, but the rehabilitation staff have observed the young bird making short flights around the small flight enclosure.
On April 12, a visitor at Booker T. Washington Park in Charlottesville found a young fledgling Eastern Screech-Owl on the ground.
Latest Update: June 2, 2021
During the past two weeks, the veterinary team has carefully monitored Eastern Screech-Owl #21-0509 for signs of improvement. The young bird still has a significant head tilt, though the team feels that there was a slight improvement after multiple weeks of wearing a small neck brace. Another lead text on May 26 revealed a "low" level, indicating that perhaps the lead has finally been removed from the young bird's system.
On April 12, a visitor at Booker T. Washington Park in Charlottesville found a young fledgling Eastern Screech-Owl on the ground.
Latest Update: May 19, 2021
Eastern Screech-Owl #21-0509 has been continuing to recover from lead toxicity and associated neurologic issues. The young owl has had a number of lead tests to re-check blood lead levels; while some tests have returned at "low" levels, subsequent tests revealed an elevated level of lead again. Since lead accumulates in the bones of affected birds, treating lead in some individuals can be a prolonged process.
On April 12, a visitor at Booker T. Washington Park in Charlottesville found a young fledgling Eastern Screech-Owl on the ground.
Latest Update: May 6, 2021
Eastern Screech-Owl #21-0509 has remained in the Center's indoor Hold area during the past 11 days, where veterinary staff have been keeping a close watch on the bird's overall condition. On May 5, an secondary set of radiographs were taken, identifying a skull fracture that the veterinarians suspected may have been present on admission. While the precise circumstance of this injury is not known, it's possible that lead toxicity left this fledgling owl more susceptible to physical trauma.
On April 12, a visitor at Booker T. Washington Park in Charlottesville found a young fledgling Eastern Screech-Owl on the ground.
Latest Update: April 26, 2021
During the past week, Eastern Screech-Owl #21-0509 has made some slow improvements. The little owl no longer requires oxygen therapy and is able to be housed in a crate, where the bird is generally quiet, alert, and reactive. The owl still has a significant head tilt, which has made feeding an enormous challenge. The owl can ingest very small pieces of food and is able to partially hold onto larger pieces of food and tear off small soft bites.