After one month of rehabilitation, Bald Eagle #26-1314 was successfully released back to the wild!
Bald Eagle #26-1314 was admitted on May 11 after being injured during a fight with another eagle in Williamsburg, Virginia. A physical exam revealed multiple puncture wounds on the bird's legs, and a subsequent blood test showed that the bird also had lead poisoning. The Center's veterinary team performed surgery to repair the wounds and administered chelation therapy to remove the lead.
By May 26, the lead had been successfully removed, and the wounds had healed. After two more weeks of rehabilitation and exercise, the eagle was officially cleared for release on June 8.
This release took place on Monday, June 15, at York River State Park. A crowd of about 150 people joined Center staff for the release and watched as the eagle took flight.
“As soon as we lifted the top of the crate, she took off strongly and continued flying until she was out of sight,” said Connor Gillespie, the Center's Director of Outreach.
