TACOMA, Wash. — An adult male bald eagle has been successfully released back into the wild in Tacoma after a month-long rehabilitation journey.
The eagle was found grounded and unable to fly along the Tacoma waterfront on May 29, according to PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Community members alerted Featherhaven, a nonprofit dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned wild birds in Enumclaw. David Ward, a raptor rehabilitator with Featherhaven, coordinated the eagle’s safe capture and transport to PAWS.
Upon arrival, the PAWS team discovered the eagle had a spiral fracture in his left ulna, along with dehydration and emaciation from being unable to hunt.
The bird required 34 days of expert veterinary care and rehabilitation before being deemed ready for release.
“This bald eagle was given a second chance by those who safely captured and transported him to PAWS for care,” said Anthony Denice, a PAWS Wildlife Biologist. “Once the eagle was admitted to our facility, our specialized and experienced team was able to manage his fractured wing and support his recovery.”
The release was a collaborative effort between PAWS and Featherhaven, highlighting the importance of community partnerships in wildlife conservation. Without prompt intervention, the eagle’s injuries could have been deadly
“Now he’s flying around the bay and engaging other eagles in his natural habitat this morning, barely a month after what would have been a lethal injury,” said Denice. “Experiences like this really affirm the value of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts and we’re proud to do our part.”
PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center cares for over 4,000 wild animals annually, providing specialized care for injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife with the aim of returning them to their natural habitats. The public is encouraged to contact PAWS at paws.org for guidance on handling injured wildlife.