Chris Wynn of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission releases an eagle treated at UF at Alligator Lake.
A bald eagle rescued in Lake City after a mid-air encounter with another bird left it unable to fly was released back into the wild on Jan. 10 after successful treatment at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine and further treatment and rehabilitation at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland.
Representatives of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and numerous Lake City area residents were present to cheer the bird’s release, which took place at Alligator Lake Park, near its original location. Many from the local community were intrigued by the eagle’s story and had followed the bird’s progress since its dramatic rescue on Nov. 11 — Veterans Day — was captured on video and in photos later posted to the FWC’s social media sites, where the story went viral.
“We’re so pleased that this eagle responded to therapy during its stay at UF, and that the additional rehabilitation it received at the Audubon Center helped bring it back to health,” said Amy Alexander, D.V.M., a clinical associate professor and zoological medicine specialist at UF who was part of the team that treated the eagle. “It’s wonderful to see it healthy and returning to the wild.”
The eagle spent two months recovering from a fractured right shoulder, an injury likely sustained during its in-flight altercation — a possible territory fight — as well as lead toxicity, which is common in the species and usually happens as a result of scavenging on carrion, UF veterinarians said. High levels of lead can cause weakness, anemia and neurological problems, all of which can contribute to a bird’s inability to fly.
After continued treatment for lead toxicity and after recovering from a fractured right coracoid, or shoulder bone, patient No. 2022-0667 was moved to the Center for Birds of Prey’s 100-foot “Magic of Flight” barn on Dec. 16 for flight conditioning. After rehabilitation and recovery, the eagle gained enough strength to be ready for release back into the wild.
“We are always excited and proud to see an eagle released back into the wild,” said Katie Warner, the center’s director. “Working together with UF and the local community gives raptors the best chance of recovery and release.”
