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Press Release

Bald Eagle Release Back into the Wild

A Bald Eagle was released back into the wild, and able to spread his wings and fly again on Wednesday, April 23, at 11a.m. at State Route 162 and County Highway 27 in Seneca County. Flight is a freedon that was taken from him late in November of 2002 when Laura Jordan of Medina Raptor Center, a rehabilitation center for injured birds of prey, received this Eagle with an injury to his right wing.

The release of the majestic bird is especially important to the Bald Eagle population in Ohio because he is a 5-year old breeding male. Since Bald Eagles mate for life, it is likely that his mate has been waiting for his return. "The cause of his injury is unknown," said Jordan, "but when he arrived at Medina Raptor Center, he was thin and dehydrated with large hematoma (a localized swelling filled with blood) on his right wing. He was given emergency care; lots of fluids, antibiotics, and heat therapy to stabilize his body temperature and reduce his shock symptoms. We kept our fingers crossed."

He was standing and hungry the next day. All was well for the next two weeks, and then his health began to fail. Jordan explained, "He was given more fluids and antibiotics. His wounds began to shrink, but it was still bleeding. Then, for two more weeks, he showed wonderful signs of improvement. However, on Saturday, December 14, his health declined again, this time, quite rapidly." Jordan took the bird for an emergency visit to Animal Clinic Northview in North Ridgeville. Doctors examined the bird, whose vital signs were very weak, and suggested a few options for treating this bird humanely: One option was that he could be euthanized. Another was the possibility of a blood transfusion, although in his ever-worsening condition, he might not be strong enough to survive the procedure. Jordan explained, "Without it, he was sure to die within the day, so if we were going to do something, we had to act fast." With approval for the transfusion from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Jordan called Dave Wolf, director of wildlife programs at Lake Erie Nature and Science Center, where the closest captive Bald Eagle is located. The critical decision was made to transport their Bald Eagle to the Clinic and give this dying bird the blood transfusion that could very well save his life.

The procedure was a success and the eagle was perching and eating the same night. His strength grew to where within just several days he was able to withstand several more surgeries to debride the wound of necrotic tissues that would inhibit his ability to fly.

After four months of rehabilitation at Medina Raptor Center, he was ready to be released back into the wild where his mate is hopefully waiting for him. "Thanks to the team effort of the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center and the wonderful veterinarians of Animal Clinic Northview that were kind enough to donate their time and expertise, this bird is once again flying free in his home in Seneca County.

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Last Modified: Sunday, March 30th, 2025