It’s time to look back on 2024! Check our blog between Christmas and New Year’s for a variety of stories and memories of 2024 from the staff and volunteers of the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
Since joining the Wildlife Center in mid-June, I’ve been continually amazed and inspired by the lifesaving work of our veterinary and rehabilitation teams. Every day brings new stories of perseverance, lives saved, and futures reclaimed for our native wildlife.
As the year draws to a close, staff are encouraged to reflect and share a story from their experiences. At first, I didn’t feel like I had a specific wildlife event to share—after all, my role is to support the team by ensuring they have the resources and systems they need to succeed. But as I reflected, I realized how profoundly my experiences at wildlife releases—particularly my first Bald Eagle release—have shaped my understanding of the vital work we do.
Attending and hosting wildlife releases—whether it’s a majestic eagle, a resilient turtle, a determined squirrel, or a sleek snake—has been deeply impactful. Witnessing these animals reclaim their place in the wild is a reminder of how much this work matters—not just to the wildlife we treat but to everyone who supports our mission.
Coming from a background working with non-releasable eagles tethered due to injuries like lead toxicosis, it has been especially meaningful to join an organization dedicated to helping these creatures recover and thrive in the wild. I fully appreciate the role of ambassador animals in education and conservation, but there’s something uniquely profound about seeing a wild animal regain its freedom.
One eagle’s story stands out. In March 2024, an adult Bald Eagle was admitted with severe lead poisoning, a wing droop, and a necrotic cut in its mouth. After weeks of meticulous treatment, its lead levels dropped, its wounds healed, and it underwent rigorous flight conditioning. By early July, this eagle was declared ready to return to the wild.
The release was set for July 5, near its rescue site in Newport News. It was my first time helping with such an event. Amanda, a 23-year veteran of the Center, guided me with invaluable insights about engaging the audience and managing the event. While releases were traditionally assisted, I advocated for the eagle to exit the crate on its own, allowing it to reclaim its freedom. Watching that magnificent bird take flight was a moment I’ll never forget.
Since that day, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing other eagles soar back into the skies. These moments are powerful reminders of the Center’s impact. Treating 50–70 Bald Eagles annually, the Wildlife Center has given thousands of birds and other animals a second chance. While not every case ends in success, the sheer number of lives restored is extraordinary.
The Bald Eagle embodies strength, resilience, and freedom—qualities that resonate universally. But as much as I hold the eagle close to my heart, I know every animal we treat represents the intricate web of life that sustains our planet.
I thank each and every one of you who supports the Wildlife Center of Virginia – in whatever way and at whatever level ... We are truly and deeply honored by your commitment and investment in the future of Virginia wildlife and our work on their behalf.
Best wishes to all for a warm and wonderful 2025!
– Dr. Meg Gammage-Tucker, President