On May 10, a young Eastern Screech-Owl fledgling from Lexington, Virginia, was admitted to the Wildlife Center. A homeowner found the young bird in a bush but noted that the owl did not look very healthy; the homeowner was able to capture and transport the bird to the Center.
Current Patients
Eastern Screech-Owl #21-1102
Latest Update: September 24, 2021
During the past month, Eastern Screech-Owl #21-1102 has been receiving regular exercising sessions with the rehabilitation staff in an outdoor flight pen. Initial exercise routines showed promising signs of the owl regaining physical stamina and proper form during flight, but during the past few weeks wildlife rehabilitator Kelsey reports that the bird may have reached a plateau. The owl resists flying during daily checks, and is unable to complete the prescribed number of passes within the enclosure.
On May 10, a young Eastern Screech-Owl fledgling from Lexington, Virginia, was admitted to the Wildlife Center. A homeowner found the young bird in a bush but noted that the owl did not look very healthy; the homeowner was able to capture and transport the bird to the Center.
Latest Update: August 25, 2021
Eastern Screech-Owl #21-1102 has been doing well this summer. In mid-June, the young owl, along with several other screech-owlets, started a formal exercise program in preparation for release. The young bird has been reluctant to fly, though the rehabilitation staff have coaxed the bird into flying in a large space, and the bird has shown signs of making good improvements with lift and maneuvering as he developed his flight muscles.
On May 10, a young Eastern Screech-Owl fledgling from Lexington, Virginia, was admitted to the Wildlife Center. A homeowner found the young bird in a bush but noted that the owl did not look very healthy; the homeowner was able to capture and transport the bird to the Center.
Latest Update: June 22, 2021
Eastern Screech-Owl #21-1102 has been doing well in one of the Center's B-pens, along with three other owlets. The group of young owls has been eating well, growing, and practicing short flights around the enclosure. A recent feather assessment confirmed that #21-1102 has many flight feathers growing in; once these are fully grown, the rehabilitation staff will begin a daily exercise regimen to get the owlet's flight muscles in good condition.
On May 10, a young Eastern Screech-Owl fledgling from Lexington, Virginia, was admitted to the Wildlife Center. A homeowner found the young bird in a bush but noted that the owl did not look very healthy; the homeowner was able to capture and transport the bird to the Center.
Latest Update: June 2, 2021
Eastern Screech-Owl #21-1102 has been healing well during the past two weeks. The bird is eating well and gaining weight; the owlet is now 134 grams -- much larger than the bird's admission weight of 82 grams! The veterinary staff have seen no lingering effects of the suspected rodenticide poisoning. The bird has been living with several other young screech-owls in the Center's care, including lead-poisoned owlet #21-0509.
On May 10, a young Eastern Screech-Owl fledgling from Lexington, Virginia, was admitted to the Wildlife Center. A homeowner found the young bird in a bush but noted that the owl did not look very healthy; the homeowner was able to capture and transport the bird to the Center.
Latest Update: May 19, 2021
Eastern Screech-Owl #21-1102 has been doing well during the past week; the owl is able to use both legs and has had no additional signs of bleeding due to the suspected rodenticide toxicity. The veterinary team scheduled the owlet for blood work on May 19; while a complete blood count, lead test, and other diagnostics are typically performed at admission, the staff did not want to draw blood until they were entirely sure that the owlet's clotting issue had resolved. Dr. Karra reported that the blood draw went well, and there were no signs of clotting issues.
Bald Eagle #21-0677
On April 25, a mature Bald Eagle was found lying on the ground, unable to fly, near Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton, Virginia. A park ranger was able to capture the bird and took it to a local permitted wildlife rehabilitator. The eagle was transported to the Center the following day.
Latest Update: September 22, 2021
Sadly, Bald Eagle #21-0677 was humanely euthanized on September 17. Despite the intensive care the veterinary and rehabilitation staff provided during the past five months, involving numerous techniques and medications, the eagle's carpal wounds repeatedly opened and showed signs of infection. Radiographs taken on September 17 indicated that the skeletal structures on the bird's left wing were becoming very affected, likely suffering from the associated wound infection.
On April 25, a mature Bald Eagle was found lying on the ground, unable to fly, near Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton, Virginia. A park ranger was able to capture the bird and took it to a local permitted wildlife rehabilitator. The eagle was transported to the Center the following day.
Latest Update: August 25, 2021
Bald Eagle #21-0677 remains in the A3 tower, where the veterinary team can more easily catch and treat the eagle's carpal injuries. While there have been intermittent improvements, the wounds are still far from healed. Significant carpal injuries can be challenging to treat; unfortunately, the wounds do require regular hands-on care to ensure that they remain clean and bandaged, but the regular catching of the bird for the treatment often creates an opportunity for the bird to re-open partially healing wounds.
On April 25, a mature Bald Eagle was found lying on the ground, unable to fly, near Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton, Virginia. A park ranger was able to capture the bird and took it to a local permitted wildlife rehabilitator. The eagle was transported to the Center the following day.
Latest Update: July 26, 2021
During the past two and a half weeks, the veterinary staff have continued to clean an reapply bandages to Bald Eagle #21-0677's carpal wounds during daily treatments. On July 18, both the left and right carpi were surgically cleaned and debrided. Sutures were applied to close the wound on the bird's right wing, but do to the large amount of necrotic tissue removed from the left carpus, the veterinary staff were unable to close the wound. On July 24, an additional surgical debridement was performed on both carpi.
On April 25, a mature Bald Eagle was found lying on the ground, unable to fly, near Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton, Virginia. A park ranger was able to capture the bird and took it to a local permitted wildlife rehabilitator. The eagle was transported to the Center the following day.
Latest Update: July 15, 2021
The veterinary team is still closely managing Bald Eagle #21-0677's carpal wounds. On July 10, the veterinary staff debrided the wounds again, carefully rebandaged them, and decided to move the eagle back to the A3 tower. This location allows the staff to still closely monitor and treat the bird, but allows the eagle to be farther away from people, and to see and interact with the other eagles in the A3 enclosure.
On April 25, a mature Bald Eagle was found lying on the ground, unable to fly, near Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton, Virginia. A park ranger was able to capture the bird and took it to a local permitted wildlife rehabilitator. The eagle was transported to the Center the following day.
Latest Update: July 6, 2021
Throughout the end of June, Bald Eagle #21-0677 remained in the A3 flight enclosure. The veterinary team regularly checked the eagle's carpal wounds and, on July 2, found that the wounds had worsened, despite the eagle's lack of exercise. The team decided to move the eagle back to "metals", a small outdoor building with a variety of crates. This area allowed the eagle to remain outside and away from humans, though contained the bird in a smaller space so the veterinary staff could examine and treat the eagle's wounds every day.
On April 25, a mature Bald Eagle was found lying on the ground, unable to fly, near Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton, Virginia. A park ranger was able to capture the bird and took it to a local permitted wildlife rehabilitator. The eagle was transported to the Center the following day.
Latest Update: June 21, 2021
Bald Eagle #21-0677 has been steadily recovering in outdoor flight pen A3 during the past two and a half weeks. Dr. Karra -- the Center's Director of Veterinary Services -- reported that while the eagle's leg wound has made a complete recovery, the carpal injuries that were previously observed have been slower to heal. To prevent any possible long-term damage related to infection, the veterinary staff surgically debrided the area on June 21.
On April 25, a mature Bald Eagle was found lying on the ground, unable to fly, near Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton, Virginia. A park ranger was able to capture the bird and took it to a local permitted wildlife rehabilitator. The eagle was transported to the Center the following day.
Latest Update: June 2, 2021
During the past two weeks, the veterinary team have been carefully managing Bald Eagle #21-0677's healing carpal wounds. The eagle has plenty of space to navigate in the A3 enclosure and has readily demonstrated that she can get to the high perches in the enclosure. The rehabilitation staff began the bird on a daily exercise regimen; during these sessions, the eagle mostly flies low to the ground.
Turkey Vulture #21-3227
On September 12, a private citizen found a young Turkey Vulture stuck in a large mud pit near a construction site in Charlottesville. The citizen contacted some friends and family, who quickly gathered resources to rescue the vulture and met her at the site. Working together, they placed boards down to form a safe path over the mud. After an hour of difficult progress, they were finally able to reach the vulture and free it from the mud. They bathed it to remove the mud and brought it to the Wildlife Center later that day.
Virginia Opossum #21-3141
On September 2, a private citizen in Hanover County witnessed an adult opossum fall off a staircase on the side of a building. On closer inspection, the opossum was found laying on the ground and did not move away when approached. Concerned that it may have been injured from the fall, he safely contained the opossum and brought it to Wellesley Animal Hospital. The following day, it was transferred to the Wildlife Center.
The Great Horned Owlets of 2021
This March, the Wildlife Center of Virginia admitted three Great Horned Owl hatchlings. These owlets, who were admitted as healthy orphans, will spend the spring, summer, and early fall at the Center, growing larger until they are ready to be released into the wild as mature owls. In order to learn the correct Great Horned Owl behaviors needed to survive in the wild, these three owlets are spending time with the Center’s non-releasable surrogate Great Horned Owl parent Papa G’Ho. As a surrogate, Papa is invaluable in helping these owls to prepare for life post-release.
Latest Update: September 14, 2021
During the past month, Papa G'Ho has continued to rear Great Horned Owl fledglings #21-0308, #21-0292, and #21-0245 in outdoor flight pen A2. Critter Cam viewers have seen these young owls grow and develop while they practice flying, preening, perching, and socializing with one another. On September 1, the rehabilitation team began exercising the fledglings once per day. After several weeks of exercise and observation from the staff, wildlife rehabilitation intern Ben noted that all of the fledglings are progressing very well in building their physical stamina and flight techniques.
This March, the Wildlife Center of Virginia admitted three Great Horned Owl hatchlings. These owlets, who were admitted as healthy orphans, will spend the spring, summer, and early fall at the Center, growing larger until they are ready to be released into the wild as mature owls. In order to learn the correct Great Horned Owl behaviors needed to survive in the wild, these three owlets are spending time with the Center’s non-releasable surrogate Great Horned Owl parent Papa G’Ho. As a surrogate, Papa is invaluable in helping these owls to prepare for life post-release.
Latest Update: August 17, 2021
The three young Great Horned Owls have been doing well in the Center's A2 flight pen during the summer. The birds are eating well, growing in their flight feathers, and learning how to fly. The rehabilitation staff will start the owlets' daily exercise in September in preparation for a fall release. In the meantime, Critter Cam viewers may catch a glimpse of the owl family on Critter Cam 2!
This March, the Wildlife Center of Virginia admitted three Great Horned Owl hatchlings. These owlets, who were admitted as healthy orphans, will spend the spring, summer, and early fall at the Center, growing larger until they are ready to be released into the wild as mature owls. In order to learn the correct Great Horned Owl behaviors needed to survive in the wild, these three owlets are spending time with the Center’s non-releasable surrogate Great Horned Owl parent Papa G’Ho. As a surrogate, Papa is invaluable in helping these owls to prepare for life post-release.
Latest Update: May 25, 2021
The Wildlife Center’s Great Horned Owlet count has doubled, from three to six, thanks to a transfer from a wildlife rehabilitator in Chesapeake, Virginia on May 8.
Great Horned Owl Fledglings #21-1070, #21-1069, #21-1068:
This March, the Wildlife Center of Virginia admitted three Great Horned Owl hatchlings. These owlets, who were admitted as healthy orphans, will spend the spring, summer, and early fall at the Center, growing larger until they are ready to be released into the wild as mature owls. In order to learn the correct Great Horned Owl behaviors needed to survive in the wild, these three owlets are spending time with the Center’s non-releasable surrogate Great Horned Owl parent Papa G’Ho. As a surrogate, Papa is invaluable in helping these owls to prepare for life post-release.
Latest Update: May 4, 2021
The three owlets, accompanied by Papa G’Ho, have now been moved to A2, one of the Center’s largest bird pens. This will allow them to continue to spread their wings, as well as have more space to spread out in general. As time passes, these owls will spend less time in close proximity to one another, a natural sign of behavioral maturation. In the wild, adult Great Horned Owls are solitary, and eventually, these young owls will be moved to their own pens before their release in the fall.
This March, the Wildlife Center of Virginia admitted three Great Horned Owl hatchlings. These owlets, who were admitted as healthy orphans, will spend the spring, summer, and early fall at the Center, growing larger until they are ready to be released into the wild as mature owls. In order to learn the correct Great Horned Owl behaviors needed to survive in the wild, these three owlets are spending time with the Center’s non-releasable surrogate Great Horned Owl parent Papa G’Ho. As a surrogate, Papa is invaluable in helping these owls to prepare for life post-release.
Latest Update: April 16, 2021
The three little Great Horned Owlets have taken a big step toward their eventual release into the wild! These three little owls, along with their dedicated surrogate Papa G’Ho, have been moved from their small crates indoors into the much larger Flight Pen 2. This not only gives these rapidly growing owlets space to spread out and practice their movement but also puts them even farther from consistent human activity. This will help ensure that they will not become too accustomed to human presence; a behavioral adaptation which could delay or prevent their release.
Bald Eagle #21-1979
On June 16, a fisherman found an immature Bald Eagle down in a stream in Spotsylvania County. The bird was flapping and apparently unable to fly; the fisherman called the Spotsylvania police department, and an officer responded to the scene and was able to capture the bird. The eagle was taken to a local veterinary clinic before it was transferred to a permitted at-home wildlife rehabilitator; the eagle was transported to the Wildlife Center on June 17.
Latest Update: September 13, 2021
Bald Eagle #21-1979 was successfully released on September 10 at Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania Courthouse. The release was open to the public, drawing a crowd of about 60 children and adults. Park staff were able to attend, along with several members of the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office -- including Deputy Stocking, who initially rescued the eagle in June.
On June 16, a fisherman found an immature Bald Eagle down in a stream in Spotsylvania County. The bird was flapping and apparently unable to fly; the fisherman called the Spotsylvania police department, and an officer responded to the scene and was able to capture the bird. The eagle was taken to a local veterinary clinic before it was transferred to a permitted at-home wildlife rehabilitator; the eagle was transported to the Wildlife Center on June 17.
Latest Update: September 8, 2021
During the past two and a half weeks, Bald Eagle #21-1979 has been flying very well during daily exercise routines with the rehabilitation staff. By August 30, the bird was consistently flying the length of the A3 flight pen more than 15 times during each session. A blood sample drawn and analyzed by the veterinary staff confirmed that lead was no longer present in the eagle's system, and it was determined that the bird was ready for release!
Bald Eagle #21-1030
Bald Eagle #21-1030 was admitted to the Wildlife Center on May 7 after she was found at a landfill in King and Queen County, Virginia. Upon admission, the veterinarians noted that this eagle was quiet, but alert and responsive. During the physical exam, former veterinary intern Dr. Sarah found scarring and discoloration in the eagle’s left eye, but the patient appeared to still have functioning eyesight. This eagle also had a large wound on the left elbow with crusted dirt and discharge which, after being removed, revealed necrotic muscle tissue.
Latest Update: August 25, 2021
The veterinary team continues to manage Bald Eagle #21-1030's carpal injuries. The treatment of this eagle has been challenging; while the bird's right carpus is showing solid signs of improvement and healing, the left carpus has needed several surgical procedures to manage the large wound in this high-tension area of the bird's wing. The team will assess the prognosis for this bird in the coming weeks.
Bald Eagle #21-1030 was admitted to the Wildlife Center on May 7 after she was found at a landfill in King and Queen County, Virginia. Upon admission, the veterinarians noted that this eagle was quiet, but alert and responsive. During the physical exam, former veterinary intern Dr. Sarah found scarring and discoloration in the eagle’s left eye, but the patient appeared to still have functioning eyesight. This eagle also had a large wound on the left elbow with crusted dirt and discharge which, after being removed, revealed necrotic muscle tissue.
Latest Update: July 22, 2021
The veterinary team has continued to manage Bald Eagle #21-1030's significant carpal injuries this month; these wounds have proven to be very challenging, given the high-tension area and movement of the bird's "wrists". On July 21, the veterinary staff anesthetized the eagle to carefully debride the wounds and resuture them closed. Treatment will continue, though the bird's prognosis is guarded.
Bald Eagle #21-1030 was admitted to the Wildlife Center on May 7 after she was found at a landfill in King and Queen County, Virginia. Upon admission, the veterinarians noted that this eagle was quiet, but alert and responsive. During the physical exam, former veterinary intern Dr. Sarah found scarring and discoloration in the eagle’s left eye, but the patient appeared to still have functioning eyesight. This eagle also had a large wound on the left elbow with crusted dirt and discharge which, after being removed, revealed necrotic muscle tissue.
Latest Update: July 5, 2021
During the past week, Bald Bald Eagle #21-1030 has been closely monitored during daily treatments. The veterinary staff clean and flush the eagle's wounds with iodine, apply new bandages, and administer pain and anti-inflammatory medications. On June 29, it was noted that necrotic tissue was present near a wound on the bird's right wrist -- an injury that was present upon admission to the Center on May 7 -- and Dr. Karra performed a surgical debridement of the area on June 30. After surgery, a wing wrap was applied to temporarily immobilize the area during recovery.
Bald Eagle #21-1030 was admitted to the Wildlife Center on May 7 after she was found at a landfill in King and Queen County, Virginia. Upon admission, the veterinarians noted that this eagle was quiet, but alert and responsive. During the physical exam, former veterinary intern Dr. Sarah found scarring and discoloration in the eagle’s left eye, but the patient appeared to still have functioning eyesight. This eagle also had a large wound on the left elbow with crusted dirt and discharge which, after being removed, revealed necrotic muscle tissue.
Latest Update: June 24, 2021
At the beginning of June, Bald Eagle #21-1030 started making some short, low flights in the A3 flight enclosure, stretching her wings and starting to regain a little stamina. Unfortunately, a routine foot and feather check on June 7 revealed that the eagle once again had an abscess on her injured left elbow. The veterinary team brought the bird into the Center's treatment room to carefully drain the abscess and flush and treat the injured area. The bird was placed back in a crate in the Center's holding room.
Bald Eaglet #21-1013
In early May, two young Bald Eaglets were admitted from Northumberland County after their nest fell from a tree. The birds were found two days apart, though fortunately, rescuers were able to quickly capture the birds as soon as they were found; the birds were each initially taken to Nature's Nanny Wildlife Rehabilitation before being transferred to the Wildlife Center. Bald Eaglet #21-0954 was admitted on May 5; its sibling was admitted as patient #21-1013 on May 7.
Latest Update: August 20, 2021
Bald Eagle #21-1013 was successfully released today at the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Due to the location of this release, the event was not open to the public. Refuge staff were able to attend, along with some other official personnel, and a photographer.
Photos by Barb Melton:
In early May, two young Bald Eaglets were admitted from Northumberland County after their nest fell from a tree. The birds were found two days apart, though fortunately, rescuers were able to quickly capture the birds as soon as they were found; the birds were each initially taken to Nature's Nanny Wildlife Rehabilitation before being transferred to the Wildlife Center. Bald Eaglet #21-0954 was admitted on May 5; its sibling was admitted as patient #21-1013 on May 7.
Latest Update: August 13, 2021
After a flight assessment from the rehabilitation staff and examination from the veterinary team, Bald Eagle #21-1013 has been cleared for release! The staff conferred with the state eagle biologist and decided to release the young bird at the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which is just 20 miles west of where this bird hatched earlier this spring.
Due to the location and restrictions at the refuge, this release will not be open to the public. Stay tuned for updates on this eagle release!
In early May, two young Bald Eaglets were admitted from Northumberland County after their nest fell from a tree. The birds were found two days apart, though fortunately, rescuers were able to quickly capture the birds as soon as they were found; the birds were each initially taken to Nature's Nanny Wildlife Rehabilitation before being transferred to the Wildlife Center. Bald Eaglet #21-0954 was admitted on May 5; its sibling was admitted as patient #21-1013 on May 7.
Latest Update: August 9, 2021
Bald Eaglets #21-1320 and #21-1013 have been flying well during the past two weeks during their daily exercise. The rehabilitation staff report that the birds both have strong, even flight and are well-conditioned for release.
In early May, two young Bald Eaglets were admitted from Northumberland County after their nest fell from a tree. The birds were found two days apart, though fortunately, rescuers were able to quickly capture the birds as soon as they were found; the birds were each initially taken to Nature's Nanny Wildlife Rehabilitation before being transferred to the Wildlife Center. Bald Eaglet #21-0954 was admitted on May 5; its sibling was admitted as patient #21-1013 on May 7.
Latest Update: July 22, 2021
Bald Eaglets #21-1013 and #21-#1320 have been doing well in the Center's A3 flight enclosure during the past few weeks. The vet staff have been carefully monitoring the birds' feather growth to determine when the rehabilitation staff could safely start a daily exercise program. While the birds have been flying in the enclosure on their own, the rehabilitation staff wait to start strength-building exercise until all flight feathers are fully grown. On July 15, both birds were cleared to start their daily exercise, in preparation for release!
In early May, two young Bald Eaglets were admitted from Northumberland County after their nest fell from a tree. The birds were found two days apart, though fortunately, rescuers were able to quickly capture the birds as soon as they were found; the birds were each initially taken to Nature's Nanny Wildlife Rehabilitation before being transferred to the Wildlife Center. Bald Eaglet #21-0954 was admitted on May 5; its sibling was admitted as patient #21-1013 on May 7.
Latest Update: June 24, 2021
Bald Eaglets #21-1013 and #21-1320 are both doing well in the Center's A3 flight enclosure. In mid-June, the rehabilitation staff opened the doors of the raptor tower in A3, allowing both young birds full access to the main part of the enclosure. The young birds are free to practice flying in the large flight pen space and to interact with older eagles #21-0677 and #21-0214.
In early May, two young Bald Eaglets were admitted from Northumberland County after their nest fell from a tree. The birds were found two days apart, though fortunately, rescuers were able to quickly capture the birds as soon as they were found; the birds were each initially taken to Nature's Nanny Wildlife Rehabilitation before being transferred to the Wildlife Center. Bald Eaglet #21-0954 was admitted on May 5; its sibling was admitted as patient #21-1013 on May 7.
Latest Update: June 2, 2021
Bald Eaglet #21-1013 has been doing well in the tower of the A3 flight enclosure; the bird is eating a diet of rat and fish each day. On May 24, the eaglet was tested again for lead toxicity, and the veterinary team found that the bird's lead levels were once again elevated at a level of 0.10 ppm. The eaglet started another course of oral chelation therapy.
Bald Eagle #21-0214
On the night of March 6, an Augusta County animal control officer found a young Bald Eagle injured on a road in Middle River, VA. He was able to capture the eagle and called the Wildlife Center’s after-hours phone line for assistance. Dr. Sarah, one of the Center’s veterinary interns, met the animal control officer at the Wildlife Center later that night to admit the eagle.
Latest Update: August 19, 2021
Bald Eagle #21-0214 was successfully released today at Grand Caverns!
On the night of March 6, an Augusta County animal control officer found a young Bald Eagle injured on a road in Middle River, VA. He was able to capture the eagle and called the Wildlife Center’s after-hours phone line for assistance. Dr. Sarah, one of the Center’s veterinary interns, met the animal control officer at the Wildlife Center later that night to admit the eagle.
Latest Update: August 10, 2021
Bald Eagle #21-0214 will be released back to the wild on Thursday, August 19 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern at Grand Caverns in Grottoes, Virginia [5 Grand Caverns Drive].
On the night of March 6, an Augusta County animal control officer found a young Bald Eagle injured on a road in Middle River, VA. He was able to capture the eagle and called the Wildlife Center’s after-hours phone line for assistance. Dr. Sarah, one of the Center’s veterinary interns, met the animal control officer at the Wildlife Center later that night to admit the eagle.
Latest Update: August 9, 2021
Bald Eagle #21-0214 has been flying well during daily exercise; the bird is able to fly the length of the A3 flight pen at least 15 days during each exercise session, and has no lingering effects of the lead toxicity that initially brought the eagle to the Center in March.
The staff is working on release plans for this eagle, in coordination with the Department of Wildlife Resources. Stay tuned for updates; to receive notifications of any public releases, sign up for our email list!
On the night of March 6, an Augusta County animal control officer found a young Bald Eagle injured on a road in Middle River, VA. He was able to capture the eagle and called the Wildlife Center’s after-hours phone line for assistance. Dr. Sarah, one of the Center’s veterinary interns, met the animal control officer at the Wildlife Center later that night to admit the eagle.
Latest Update: July 26, 2021
Bald Eagle #21-0214 has been recovering well in the Center's outdoor A3 flight pen during the past few weeks, and has successfully restarted a daily exercise routine. On July 16, the rehabilitation staff noted that the eagle was able to fly between 5-10 passes of the enclosure. By July 22, the eagle was able to complete between 10-15 passes -- a good sign that its physical conditioning and coordination is improving. While a scab is still present on the bird's patagial wound, the veterinary staff have determined that it does not require additional treatment at this time.
On the night of March 6, an Augusta County animal control officer found a young Bald Eagle injured on a road in Middle River, VA. He was able to capture the eagle and called the Wildlife Center’s after-hours phone line for assistance. Dr. Sarah, one of the Center’s veterinary interns, met the animal control officer at the Wildlife Center later that night to admit the eagle.
Latest Update: July 15, 2021
Late last week, Dr. Cam examined Bald Eagle #21-0214's patagial wound and found that overall, the leading edge of the bird's wing was healing well. The patagium has a knot present, but overall the skin and feathers are in good condition. Dr. Cam decided to give the bird a few more days to recover, and then scheduled exercise for the eagle to resume on July 14.
After several days of exercise, the staff will check the eagle's wing again to make sure everything is still in good condition.
On the night of March 6, an Augusta County animal control officer found a young Bald Eagle injured on a road in Middle River, VA. He was able to capture the eagle and called the Wildlife Center’s after-hours phone line for assistance. Dr. Sarah, one of the Center’s veterinary interns, met the animal control officer at the Wildlife Center later that night to admit the eagle.
Latest Update: July 6, 2021
Toward the end of June, the veterinary team noted that the old patagial injury for Bald Eagle#21-0214 was scabbed and partially open; this was right around the same time when Bald Eagle #21-0677 needed to stop exercising in the A3 flight enclosure. At the end of June and beginning of July, the staff carefully checked the bird's wound during a weekly foot and feather check; the staff have also been dependent on monitoring the bird through the Critter Cam hung in the A3 flight enclosure.
On the night of March 6, an Augusta County animal control officer found a young Bald Eagle injured on a road in Middle River, VA. He was able to capture the eagle and called the Wildlife Center’s after-hours phone line for assistance. Dr. Sarah, one of the Center’s veterinary interns, met the animal control officer at the Wildlife Center later that night to admit the eagle.
Latest Update: June 21, 2021
Bald Eagle #21-0214 has been recovering very well during the past month. The rehabilitation staff have continued exercising the bird each day, and report that it is consistently flying more than 15 passes of the enclosure, displays proper form and stamina while in flight, and is in good overall physical condition. The veterinary staff estimate that this eagle may be a suitable candidate for release within the next few weeks.
On the night of March 6, an Augusta County animal control officer found a young Bald Eagle injured on a road in Middle River, VA. He was able to capture the eagle and called the Wildlife Center’s after-hours phone line for assistance. Dr. Sarah, one of the Center’s veterinary interns, met the animal control officer at the Wildlife Center later that night to admit the eagle.
Latest Update: May 20, 2021
On May 17, the veterinary staff determined that Bald Eagle #21-0214's patagial wound had healed very well, and that the bird was fit to transition to one of the Center's large outdoor enclosures. That same day, the eagle was moved to Flight Pen A3 -- a 96'-long pen nearly 23' tall at its highest point -- alongside Bald Eagle #21-0677 and Bald Eaglet #21-1013.
On the night of March 6, an Augusta County animal control officer found a young Bald Eagle injured on a road in Middle River, VA. He was able to capture the eagle and called the Wildlife Center’s after-hours phone line for assistance. Dr. Sarah, one of the Center’s veterinary interns, met the animal control officer at the Wildlife Center later that night to admit the eagle.
Latest Update: May 14, 2021
During the past four weeks, Bald Eagle #21-0214 has remained in the Center's indoor Hold area. Every other day, the veterinary staff check the bird's left patagium for signs of infection, necrosis, or abnormal discharge, and change the bird's bandages. On May 12, Dr. Karra reported that the injury has been healing very well and that the wound had nearly closed completely. The eagle also has a good appetite -- an important factor in transitioning to an outdoor enclosure in the future.
On the night of March 6, an Augusta County animal control officer found a young Bald Eagle injured on a road in Middle River, VA. He was able to capture the eagle and called the Wildlife Center’s after-hours phone line for assistance. Dr. Sarah, one of the Center’s veterinary interns, met the animal control officer at the Wildlife Center later that night to admit the eagle.
Latest Update: April 19, 2021
On March 26, veterinary staff anesthetized Bald Eagle #21-0214 to surgically remove dead tissue from the wound on its left wing. They were able to remove most of the dead tissue, but part of the wound was still too dry for debridement. Afterwards, they thoroughly flushed the wound with an antiseptic and sutured it closed, then placed the eagle back in the Center's indoor holding area to recover.
On the night of March 6, an Augusta County animal control officer found a young Bald Eagle injured on a road in Middle River, VA. He was able to capture the eagle and called the Wildlife Center’s after-hours phone line for assistance. Dr. Sarah, one of the Center’s veterinary interns, met the animal control officer at the Wildlife Center later that night to admit the eagle.
Latest Update: March 29, 2021
During the past three weeks, veterinary staff have kept Bald Eagle #21-0214 in the Center’s indoor holding area for daily treatment and close observation. An in-house lead test revealed that chelation therapy has successfully removed the lead from the eagle’s system, and radiographs have shown slight improvement of the fracture in the eagle’s right wing.
Bald Eaglet #21-1320 [75-D]
On May 21, a fledgling Bald Eagle was admitted to the Wildlife Center from Virginia Beach. The bird reportedly fell 90 feet from its nest and was taken to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow before it was transferred to the Wildlife Center. The bird was banded on one leg as 75-D.
Latest Update: August 18, 2021
Bald Eagle #21-1320 was successfully released on Tuesday, August 17 at Berkeley Plantation in front of a crowd of about 100 people.
Photos from Barbara Melton:
On May 21, a fledgling Bald Eagle was admitted to the Wildlife Center from Virginia Beach. The bird reportedly fell 90 feet from its nest and was taken to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow before it was transferred to the Wildlife Center. The bird was banded on one leg as 75-D.
Latest Update: August 12, 2021
After a flight assessment from the rehabilitation staff and examination from the veterinary team, Bald Eagle #21-1320 [75-D] has been cleared for release! The staff conferred with several biologists to determine where to release this young eagle; the bird hatched in Virginia Beach, though biologists agreed that the urban landscape may not be the best option for the young eagle. Since hatch-year birds are not territorial and often spend their first few years of life exploring, other habitats were assessed.
On May 21, a fledgling Bald Eagle was admitted to the Wildlife Center from Virginia Beach. The bird reportedly fell 90 feet from its nest and was taken to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow before it was transferred to the Wildlife Center. The bird was banded on one leg as 75-D.
Latest Update: August 9, 2021
Bald Eaglets #21-1320 and #21-1013 have been flying well during the past two weeks during their daily exercise. The rehabilitation staff report that the birds both have strong, even flight and are well-conditioned for release.
On May 21, a fledgling Bald Eagle was admitted to the Wildlife Center from Virginia Beach. The bird reportedly fell 90 feet from its nest and was taken to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow before it was transferred to the Wildlife Center. The bird was banded on one leg as 75-D.
Latest Update: July 22, 2021
Bald Eaglets #21-1013 and #21-#1320 have been doing well in the Center's A3 flight enclosure during the past few weeks. The vet staff have been carefully monitoring the birds' feather growth to determine when the rehabilitation staff could safely start a daily exercise program. While the birds have been flying in the enclosure on their own, the rehabilitation staff wait to start strength-building exercise until all flight feathers are fully grown. On July 15, both birds were cleared to start their daily exercise, in preparation for release!
On May 21, a fledgling Bald Eagle was admitted to the Wildlife Center from Virginia Beach. The bird reportedly fell 90 feet from its nest and was taken to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow before it was transferred to the Wildlife Center. The bird was banded on one leg as 75-D.
Latest Update: June 24, 2021
Bald Eaglets #21-1013 and #21-1320 are both doing well in the Center's A3 flight enclosure. In mid-June, the rehabilitation staff opened the doors of the raptor tower in A3, allowing both young birds full access to the main part of the enclosure. The young birds are free to practice flying in the large flight pen space and to interact with older eagles #21-0677 and #21-0214.
Black Bear cubs of 2021
In April 2021, 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 next spring, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers. The 2021 cubs will be released in the spring of 2022.
Latest Update: August 5, 2021
The five Black Bear cubs are settling in well to their yard in the Black Bear Complex. Despite the thick growth of trees and shrubs in the yard, Critter Cam viewers are typically able to spot the cubs multiple times a day, particularly when the cubs are eating together.
In April 2021, 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 next spring, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers. The 2021 cubs will be released in the spring of 2022.
Latest Update: August 5, 2021
The five Black Bear cubs are settling in well to their yard in the Black Bear Complex. Despite the thick growth of trees and shrubs in the yard, Critter Cam viewers are typically able to spot the cubs multiple times a day, particularly when the cubs are eating together.
In April 2021, 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 next spring, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers. The 2021 cubs will be released in the spring of 2022.
Latest Update: July 29, 2021
The five Black Bear cubs were successfully moved to yard #1 in the Black Bear Complex on Wednesday, July 28. A couple of the bears were anesthetized for a physical examination and ear tagging; other bears were simply loaded into a Zinger crate and then loaded onto the Center's electric vehicle for transport.
The bears were all placed in the transition yard, a smaller portion of the bear yard where they could safely wake up and recover. After all were awake and ready to explore, the rehabilitation staff opened the adjoining gate into the main portion of the bear yard.
In April 2021, 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 next spring, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers. The 2021 cubs will be released in the spring of 2022.
Latest Update: July 23, 2021
All work has been completed at the Black Bear Complex, and one of the rehabilitation externs, Ben, is putting the finishing touches on a newly constructed tire bridge for the cubs! Ben spent this week creating a sturdy chain of tires that will be hung between two trees.
In April 2021, 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 next spring, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers. The 2021 cubs will be released in the spring of 2022.
Latest Update: July 8, 2021
On July 4, wildlife rehabilitator Katie noted that the nails on the front paws of Black Bear #21-1097 [Red Tag] appeared to be abnormally angled. Dr. Jenn was able to more carefully examined the cub under anesthesia and noted many of the cub's nails had broken or split and started to regrow, giving them a more crooked appearance. It's likely that the bear's climbing and roughhousing contributed to the condition of the nails.
In April 2021, 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 next spring, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers. The 2021 cubs will be released in the spring of 2022.
Latest Update: June 8, 2021
Throughout the weekend, wildlife rehabilitation intern Ben carefully monitored Black Bear cub #21-0545 and worked through a method of delivering all of the bear's new medication in small servings of tasty formula "mush". On Saturday, Ben noted that the bear seemed calmer and was pacing less, though her paw wounds appeared to be bothering her. On Sunday, the bear also seemed to decrease her pacing behavior and was spotted cuddled with two other cubs on top of one of the climbing stumps in the Large Mammal enclosure.
In April 2021, 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 next spring, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers. The 2021 cubs will be released in the spring of 2022.
Latest Update: June 4, 2021
The staff have continued to carefully assess Black Bear cub #21-0545 and her increased amount of pacing. Sadly, the medication that the veterinary team started on June 3 seems to have had no effect. The staff will try one more different type of medication to see if that provides any relief. Since the Bear Pen seemed to make no difference for the young cub, the rehabilitation staff moved the bear back to the Large Mammal enclosure for observation.
In April 2021, 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 next spring, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers. The 2021 cubs will be released in the spring of 2022.
Latest Update: June 3, 2021
Now that the total number of Black Bear cubs is up to five, and the smallest cubs of the group weighed in at about 5 kg this past week, the rehabilitation staff decided to open both sides of the Large Mammal Isolation enclosure and allow the cubs to have more space to explore and climb. The cubs are currently ranging in size from 5.35 kg (#21-1097) to 8.10 kg (#21-0705).
In April 2021, 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 next spring, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers. The 2021 cubs will be released in the spring of 2022.
Latest Update: May 19, 2021
The four Black Bear cubs of 2021 are doing well in the Center's Large Mammal Isolation enclosure. The littlest cub, #21-01097, has been living in a Zinger crate in between feedings to ensure that he isn't able to slip out of the enclosure; on May 19, wildlife rehabilitator Kelsey decided that the cub was now large enough to roam with the other cubs.
In April 2021, 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 next spring, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers. The 2021 cubs will be released in the spring of 2022.
Latest Update: May 12, 2021
The three Black Bear cubs have been doing well during the past few weeks; each cub is gaining weight and eating well. Current weights and feeding schedules are:
Cub #0705: 4.26 kg, bowl-fed twice a day
Cub #0592: 2.80 kg, bottle-fed three times a day
Cub #0545: 4.10 kg, bowl-fed twice a day
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: 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.
Black Bear cub #21-0545
On April 16, a young Black Bear cub was found in Floyd County, Virginia, attempting to eat a homeowner's sweet feed (goat food). The homeowner waited several hours to see if the sow would return to claim her cub; but after a few hours with no sign of the bear's mother, the bear cub was first taken to Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke. A biologist with the Department of Wildlife Resources checked the area for den sites but was unable to find any sign of a sow. The cub was transferred to the Wildlife Center of Virginia later that same evening.
Latest Update: June 22, 2021
The Center's veterinary and rehabilitation staff have continued to monitor Black Bear cub #21-0545 during the past week. On June 17, Wildlife Rehabilitation Supervisor Kelsey reported a noticeable decline in the cub's pacing behavior, and the decision was made to decrease the amount of medication she's receiving to a single prescription administered during regular meal deliveries. During the past week, all of the cubs in LMI began the process of slowly being weaned off of formula.
On April 16, a young Black Bear cub was found in Floyd County, Virginia, attempting to eat a homeowner's sweet feed (goat food). The homeowner waited several hours to see if the sow would return to claim her cub; but after a few hours with no sign of the bear's mother, the bear cub was first taken to Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke. A biologist with the Department of Wildlife Resources checked the area for den sites but was unable to find any sign of a sow. The cub was transferred to the Wildlife Center of Virginia later that same evening.
Latest Update: June 14, 2021
During the past week, the veterinary and rehabilitation staff have continued to monitor Black Bear Cub #21-0545's behavior and paw wounds. Rehabilitation intern Ben again noted that the pacing appears to be happening less, likely a result of the continued medication and a high amount of activity and stimulation within in the enclosure that keeps the cub occupied.
On April 16, a young Black Bear cub was found in Floyd County, Virginia, attempting to eat a homeowner's sweet feed (goat food). The homeowner waited several hours to see if the sow would return to claim her cub; but after a few hours with no sign of the bear's mother, the bear cub was first taken to Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke. A biologist with the Department of Wildlife Resources checked the area for den sites but was unable to find any sign of a sow. The cub was transferred to the Wildlife Center of Virginia later that same evening.
Latest Update: June 8, 2021
Throughout the weekend, wildlife rehabilitation intern Ben carefully monitored Black Bear cub #21-0545 and worked through a method of delivering all of the bear's new medication in small servings of tasty formula "mush". On Saturday, Ben noted that the bear seemed calmer and was pacing less, though her paw wounds appeared to be bothering her. On Sunday, the bear also seemed to decrease her pacing behavior and was spotted cuddled with two other cubs on top of one of the climbing stumps in the Large Mammal enclosure.
On April 16, a young Black Bear cub was found in Floyd County, Virginia, attempting to eat a homeowner's sweet feed (goat food). The homeowner waited several hours to see if the sow would return to claim her cub; but after a few hours with no sign of the bear's mother, the bear cub was first taken to Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke. A biologist with the Department of Wildlife Resources checked the area for den sites but was unable to find any sign of a sow. The cub was transferred to the Wildlife Center of Virginia later that same evening.
Latest Update: June 4, 2021
The staff have continued to carefully assess Black Bear cub #21-0545 and her increased amount of pacing. Sadly, the medication that the veterinary team started on June 3 seems to have had no effect. The staff will try one more different type of medication to see if that provides any relief. Since the Bear Pen seemed to make no difference for the young cub, the rehabilitation staff moved the bear back to the Large Mammal enclosure for observation.
Black Bear cub #21-1427
On May 25, a female Black Bear cub was admitted from Powhatan County after her mother was hit and killed by a car. The cub was able to be captured and transported to the Wildlife Center later that same evening.
Black Bear cub #21-1097
On May 10, the Wildlife Center admitted another Black Bear cub -- the fourth cub to join the "cubs of 2021"! This small bear was found alone in Botetourt County; rescuers saw the cub on its own for three days, with no sign of the sow. A retired Conservation Police Officer came to retrieve the cub and took it to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke; the cub was given fluids before he was sent to the Wildlife Center the following day.
Black Bear cub #21-0705
On April 26, the Wildlife Center admitted another Black Bear cub, bringing the current 2021 cub tally to three. The newest female cub was found in a tree in Grayson County, Virginia. The bear was in the tree for several days; no sow was seen in the area.
Black Bear Cub #21-0592
On April 18, a young Black Bear cub was found near the side of the road in Wythe County, Virginia. The cub's rescuer left it alone for several hours and checked back later, but the cub was still in the same area with no signs of a sow.