Sadly, veterinary staff found Bald Eagle #21-0161 deceased in its crate on Thursday, March 18. While its toe infection had been difficult to treat, veterinary staff felt that the infection was improving and moved the eagle to one of the Center’s outdoor enclosures. However, after changing its bandages on March 17 the eagle became dull and weak, and had difficulty standing when returned to its enclosure. Veterinary staff immediately brought it back inside and placed it on heat support with IV fluids.
News
March 22, 2021
During the past two weeks, Bald Eagle #20-3608 has maintained its stamina during daily exercise in preparation for release. Veterinary staff took pre-release bloodwork for this eagle, and results were within normal limits. Wildlife Center President Ed Clark will be releasing the eagle back into the wild in Accomack County on Wednesday, March 24. The release will be limited in attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions.
March 22, 2021
Black Bear Yearling #21-0153 has now been at the Center for just over a month. On March 16, he was sedated again for another examination by the Center’s veterinarians. Before sedation, the staff noted that the bear was quiet but alert and responsive. Once the bear was sedated, the veterinarians noticed that he was missing a claw on his right forelimb, which was quickly cleaned. Additionally, the bear’s ears contained a small amount of debris.
March 22, 2021
Wildlife rehabilitator Kelsey has been in touch with biologists with the Department of Wildlife Resources to start planning ahead for next month's Black Bear releases!
Later this month, DWR will drop off large culvert traps at the Center so that these can be in place in preparation for next month's release plan. At this point, the first round of bear releases will take place on April 13 and 14, with additional releases taking place during the week of April 19. The 21 bears in the Bear Complex will be split into multiple smaller groups, for releases in various areas of Virginia.
March 15, 2021
The veterinary team were deeply saddened to find that Bald Eagle ND died on Sunday, March 14. The team found the eagle deceased in his enclosure in the Center's holding room.
At this time, the staff are unsure of the exact reason for ND's passing. While the staff were initially hopeful that ND would recover, an infection in his right foot, which was likely brewing but undetectable at admission, became a significant problem. The injury was difficult to manage, though the veterinary team felt that the injury and infection were well under control last week.