NW Raptor Center press release
Sequim, WA — The prognosis is improving for the juvenile bald eagle rescued by the Northwest Raptor & Wildlife Center on December 15 with a life-threatening gunshot wound to his left wing. "Almost a month after the shooting, the eagle’s wound is healing nicely," said Center Public Relations Director, Matthew Randazzo. "We are hopeful that we will soon know when he will be able to be released from veterinary care and begin his full rehabilitation process at the Center in Sequim."
"In addition to normal medicines, we’ve been treating his wound with honey, which has been found to have a very beneficial effect in recent studies," said Jaye Moore, the Raptor & Wildlife Center’s director. "The wound is healing beautifully, but he continues to struggle with having his left wing bandaged. Being bandaged makes an eagle unbalanced, and an unbalanced eagle has a great deal of trouble eating on his own since they typically use their talons to eat. The sooner we can get that wing free, the better he’ll feel, and the less help he’ll need being fed."
"One thing I know for sure," said Moore, "is that this young eagle is a trooper. He’s tough, and he’s got an attitude. We think he’ll pull through."
Recovered outside of Beaver, Washington with a fractured ulna bone in its left wing caused by a bullet believed to have been shot from a.22-caliber rifle, the juvenile male bald eagle is currently recuperating at a local veterinary hospital. It is still unclear whether surgery may be needed on the fractured bone — or whether the eagle may eventually be able to fly again.
Fundraising efforts on the eagle’s behalf are still ongoing, as is Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s search for the person who illegally shot the eagle. "We thank everyone who has sent in donations or tips regarding the shooting," says Randazzo. "We know that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is working very hard to identify and build a case against the person responsible. Hopefully, anyone in possession of information pertaining to this crime will come forward and make a statement that the abuse of bald eagles is not tolerated on the Olympic Peninsula."
Tips leading to the capture of the person who shot this eagle can be sent to Matthew@NWRaptorCenter.com and to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-877-933-9847. Those interested in donating to help for the care of the eagle may visit NWRaptorCenter.com or on Facebook.
