Returning an Eagle to the Wild
2018 has been a remarkable year for bald eagle patients at Ohio Wildlife Center’s hospital. As of August, we have had four eagles arrive for treatment. In 2017, we treated zero eagles and during each of the previous three years, we cared for two eagles per year. This trend mirrors the growth of Ohio’s eagle population, an exciting example of the power of conservation efforts. According to Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) surveys, bald eagles in Ohio have recovered from a low point of four breeding pairs in 1979 to an estimated 221 breeding pairs producing approximately 312 offspring in 2017. An eagle is an impressive sight and Ohio Wildlife Center’s donor-funded medical facilities and dedicated team are committed to doing our part to keep the population healthy and thriving.
On September 21, 2018, on the campus of Hocking College, we celebrated a successful release of a rehabilitated bald eagle brought to our hospital on May 15th. The eagle was found in Hocking County by Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) staff member Stony Joy, who contacted David Sagan, an instructor in the School of Natural Resources at Hocking College. Sagan and two of his students picked up the eagle from ODOT and drove nearly two hours to our hospital facility in Columbus for treatment. Sagan recalls the events of that day:
“ Two of my students and I went out on the bypass and were told there was a hurt hawk and ODOT had a truck at the spot where it was. As we pulled over, we saw the bird and in unison we said “that’s no hawk.” The bird was trying to flee, but was trapped by the roadside fence. I was able to grab the bird without being injured and without further injuring the bird. I called ODNR district four HQ and told them I had an eagle and was going to take it to Ohio Wildlife Center . They were aware there was a bird that was more than likely an eagle, but did not have anyone who was free to check it out. It became a very long day for me, but I understood the best chance for this bird was to get it to Ohio Wildlife Center.”
When the eagle arrived, our medical staff assessed it and found that it was dehydrated, emaciated, and had a number of blunt force injuries. Treatment began with IV fluids infused with B12 vitamins, as well as a number of other medications and nutritional supplements. X-rays and bloodwork followed, indicating exposure to the West Nile Virus. Tube feeding was necessary because the eagle lacked the strength to eat on his own. With months of care, he stabilized, regained his strength, and was ready to continue down the path of rehabilitation.
Ohio Wildlife Center has a number of specialized facilities for raptor rehabilitation, but facing a record number of patients this year and limited space, we partnered with an excellent organization in Mansfield, Ohio to give our patient the room needed to remaster flight skills. The Ohio Bird Sanctuary’s octagonal flight cage provided the final step to recovery, allowing the eagle to practice more complex maneuvers such as turning and banking. This stage of recovery is vital to ensure that the eagle will be a successful hunter upon his return to the wild.
Now, after watching a strong, rehabilitated eagle leave our care and fly towards the Hocking River, we take a moment to celebrate this success story. This story illustrates what’s best about our mission, seeing donors, friends, volunteers, professionals, and partner organizations coming together to save a life and keep one more wild eagle flying through Ohio skies. Ohio Wildlife Center receives no state or federal funding, so the key to our success is you. We would love for you to join us in this important work. Visit www.ohiowildlifecenter.org to learn how you can help. Click here to donate.