Eagle released successfully back into the wild
This American bald eagle was successfully released back into the wild April 10. The eagle was treated by UF’s zoological medicine service and subsequently received rehabilitation through the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. (Photo by Doug Finger, The Gainesville Sun)
A juvenile American bald eagle was successfully released back into the wild near Newnan’s Lake on April 10, with a group of zoological medicine students, state biologists and veterinarians on hand to celebrate occasion.
Dr. Dan Fredholm, a zoological medicine resident at UF, brought several students to the release site, meeting up with Matt Smith of Audubon Center for Birds of Prey and Dr. Dan Wolf of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. The group worked together to prepare the eagle for release. In fact, other eagles thought to be members of the eagle’s family were seen flying nearby.
The bird, a juvenile, was brought to UF’s zoological medicine service in March after being found on the ground, unable to fly. UF veterinarians said the bird was extremely emaciated, lethargic and in a state of hypovolemic or septic shock.
The bird — named “Orn,” which means “eagle” in Swedish — was so debilitated, it seemed unlikely he would survive. After treatment with fluids and two weeks of intensive care, Orn grew stronger, gaining weight and becoming more energetic.
Once he was deemed healthy enough, he was transferred to the Audobon Center for Birds of Prey for rehabilitation.
The full photo gallery produced by Doug Finger, photojournalist with the Gainesville Sun, appears here.
