On Friday, July 10, Bald Eagle #26-1805 was successfully released back to the wild at Chippokes State Park.
This Bald Eagle was admitted to the Center on May 29 after being found trapped in a homeowner's pool in Smithfield, Virginia. On admission, the eagle was dull, weak, and dehydrated. The veterinary team found no traumatic injuries, but bloodwork revealed extremely high lead levels in the eagle's system. Staff immediately began supportive care with fluids and chelation therapy to remove the lead.
Although only five percent of eagles with lead levels this high survive, this bird responded well to treatment. After nearly a month of treatment, including multiple rounds of chelation therapy and repeated blood testing, the lead had been successfully removed from the eagle's system, and the bird became more active and alert. The rehabilitation team then began daily flight conditioning to rebuild the eagle's strength and endurance. On July 6, the veterinary team determined the eagle had made a full recovery and officially cleared the bird for release.
This release took place at the Chippokes Plantation House. A crowd of about 150 people joined Center staff for the release and watched as the eagle took flight.
“The eagle took off pretty quickly, then circled high above us for the next several minutes,” said Connor Gillespie, the Center's Director of Outreach.
