A Bald Eagle’s Fight For Freedom

The following story was shared with us by the Wildlife In Need Center in Wisconsin.

In early July, the Wildlife In Need Center (WINC) admitted an adult bald eagle who was hit alongside a local highway. When the eagle arrived, trained staff completed an initial exam and noticed, almost immediately, that it was not standing nor using its feet appropriately. He was thin at 3,660 grams (about 8 pounds) and had minor abrasions along his beak and wings. X-rays revealed a large bone in his digestive system from a large prey item.

Our treatment plan included anti-inflammatories to help with inflammation and pain, X-rays every other day to monitor the digestion of the bone, and gavaging EmerAid Intensive Care Carnivore to provide nutrition. Gavage-feeding was done to prevent complications with the digestion or casting of such a large bone, which might occur if whole foods were fed.

The bone was digested quickly and without complications, but his motor skills in his legs and feet did not improve as quickly as we hoped. After two weeks in a small enclosure, with hand-feedings up to three times a day, staff decided it was time to move him into something bigger.

The eagle thrived in a larger space! Not only did he start eating on his own, but he also started using his lower extremities more appropriately. He was moved to our large flight enclosure where he fine-tuned his motor skills by practicing hunting with live fish, and continued re-conditioning for flight.

After weeks of practice, he was ready to return to his home. On October 25, he was released back to the same location he was found, where he will continue his legacy in the wild!