ROANOKE, Va. (WRIC) — June 20 marks National American Eagle Day, which raises awareness for protecting the Bald Eagle, and in light of the day’s significance, the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center has announced its 10th Bald Eagle patient that was admitted into its facility within a year.
The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center received its 10th Bald Eagle patient on Saturday, June 15, which arrived from Botetourt County when a farmer noticed it was unable to fly in one of his fields.
According to a spokesperson for the center, veterinary staff immediately triaged, or conducted a preliminary assessment for treatment, and stabilized the eagle, providing it with essential fluids and medications upon its arrival to the center.
The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center received its 10th Bald Eagle patient on Saturday, June 15, which arrived from Botetourt County when a farmer noticed it was unable to fly in one of his fields. (Photo: Carl Leonard)The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center received its 10th Bald Eagle patient on Saturday, June 15, which arrived from Botetourt County when a farmer noticed it was unable to fly in one of his fields. (Photo: Carl Leonard)The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center received its 10th Bald Eagle patient on Saturday, June 15, which arrived from Botetourt County when a farmer noticed it was unable to fly in one of his fields. (Photo: Carl Leonard)
On the first day of admission, the eagle presented symptoms of dehydration and was not eating. Blood tests revealed slightly elevated levels of lead, but nothing alarming, according to the spokesperson.
The eagle also had a slightly rapid heart rate and X-rays were inconclusive regarding its ability to fly.
However, after pushing liquids for 24 hours, the eagle finally began to eat on its own, but was still weak and unable to fly.
“Then, after 48 hours, the eagle was back to its feisty self, but still couldn’t fly,” the spokesperson said. “Being on the ground for so long in this heat likely led to its dehydration, and at that point, we determined some other underlying issue must be present.”
The spokesperson said the center then made the decision to transfer the eagle to another facility that deals with specialized cases to ensure its best chance of survival.
“Hopefully they can get to the bottom of it and we can announce a release in the future,” the spokesperson said.
ROANOKE, Va. (WRIC) — June 20 marks National American Eagle Day, which raises awareness for protecting the Bald Eagle, and in light of the day’s significance, the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center has announced its 10th Bald Eagle patient that was admitted into its facility within a year.
The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center received its 10th Bald Eagle patient on Saturday, June 15, which arrived from Botetourt County when a farmer noticed it was unable to fly in one of his fields.
According to a spokesperson for the center, veterinary staff immediately triaged, or conducted a preliminary assessment for treatment, and stabilized the eagle, providing it with essential fluids and medications upon its arrival to the center.
The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center received its 10th Bald Eagle patient on Saturday, June 15, which arrived from Botetourt County when a farmer noticed it was unable to fly in one of his fields. (Photo: Carl Leonard)
The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center received its 10th Bald Eagle patient on Saturday, June 15, which arrived from Botetourt County when a farmer noticed it was unable to fly in one of his fields. (Photo: Carl Leonard)
The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center received its 10th Bald Eagle patient on Saturday, June 15, which arrived from Botetourt County when a farmer noticed it was unable to fly in one of his fields. (Photo: Carl Leonard)
On the first day of admission, the eagle presented symptoms of dehydration and was not eating. Blood tests revealed slightly elevated levels of lead, but nothing alarming, according to the spokesperson.
The eagle also had a slightly rapid heart rate and X-rays were inconclusive regarding its ability to fly.
However, after pushing liquids for 24 hours, the eagle finally began to eat on its own, but was still weak and unable to fly.
“Then, after 48 hours, the eagle was back to its feisty self, but still couldn’t fly,” the spokesperson said. “Being on the ground for so long in this heat likely led to its dehydration, and at that point, we determined some other underlying issue must be present.”
The spokesperson said the center then made the decision to transfer the eagle to another facility that deals with specialized cases to ensure its best chance of survival.
“Hopefully they can get to the bottom of it and we can announce a release in the future,” the spokesperson said.