Zoo helps rehab two Golden Eagles - now heading to the skies
Two Golden Eagles that were injured and brought into the El Paso Zoo returned to the skies ironically on a private Cessna airplane that left El Paso on Wednesday afternoon on July 27, 2006.
How did we end up with two Golden Eagles?
Bird # 1 - The smaller lighter bird came in during May after being hit by a school bus in Sierra Blanca, It had lost a lot of blood and had two broken wings with open skin wounds over the breaks. It's been through several surgeries and has healed all of its injuries and needs to go to rehab.
Bird # 2 - The larger, darker bird was found injured in early June and brought in by an El Paso Electric Company employee who called the Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue who then referred them to the Zoo. She had a broken femur and had lost a lot of weight. No one knows exactly how she broke her leg.
(Dr. Vicki Milne)
Dr.Victoria Milne, our Zoo veterinarian has been in charge of both cases and says "the birds are ready to go! At the rehab center they will have more space to determine whether the birds can fly well enough to be released. We hope that they will! They have to be top athletes to exist in the wild and hunt.
When they reach San Antonio, Dr. Melissa Hill, D.V.M. will take over the birds' health and care at the "Last Chance Forever" Wildlife Rehab Center. They'll get physical therapy and flight rehab therapy. "
(John Karger)
John Karger is the Director of the "Last Chance Forever" Wildlife Rehab Center. About 65% of the birds they take in are able to be released in the wild. Karger flew into El Paso to escort the birds during transport on their trip so that he could monitor their comfort and heath on the way back to San Antonio.
Golden Eagle Flight Preparations
(Getting Eagles Ready for Transport)
Together, Dr. Vicki and John wrap up the birds so that they are safe during the flight. That requires towels, regular masking tape, quick work and steady hands!
(Wrapping Tail in Cardboard) |
|
(Taping Feet & Wings) |
The bird rescue team places the cardboard around the bird's tail to protect the feathers from damage. Meantime, zoo keeper Enrique is holding those dangerous feet and talons! Then it's time to tape the feet and wings. This procedure also keeps the bird from hurting itself during the flight. Simple masking tape is used because it does not damage the feathers or leave a residue.
(Covering the bird's eyes)
Some more wrapping and taping and the birds are ready to go on their journey. Karger says they are greatly indebted to Michael Luig and his company "Land, Sky and Water," that has donated the Cessna's flight time, and pilot Bob Snowdon who made the trip to El Paso to help pick up the birds.
(Time to hit the skies for San Antonio!)
The two Golden Eagles are flying to the "Last Chance Forever" Wildlife Rehab Center
(http://www.lastchanceforever.org).
Thanks Dr. Vicki & Zoo Clinic Team: Erin, Gris, Linda, Enrique
John Karger & the "Land Sky and Water" Flight Team!
What To Do If You Find An Injured Bird Of Prey?
If you should come upon an injured hawk, falcon, owl, vulture, or eagle, there are several important things that must be considered or done:
- Is the bird REALLY hurt? Just because a bird is sitting on the ground beneath a tree or a nest does not mean it is hurt. If the bird is not limping, dragging its wing, or falling over - LEAVE IT ALONE!!! Young birds out of the nest are not necessarily abandoned. One should try to put the bird back in the tree rather than removing it from the area.
- Take the bird to your veterinarian and request that it be forwarded to a local rehabiliator (Fish and Wildlife Service can usually identify one). If you are in San Antonio, forward it to Last Chance Forever or take it to the Kirby Animal Clinic, 4623 Binz-Engleman Road in San Antonio.
Caring is not enough.
Professional rehabilitation is needed for the survival of wildlife.
-Info: Courtesy "Last Chance Forever" Wildlife Rehab Center
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