Bald Eagle to be released at Kiptopeke Park Friday

After five months of treatment and care, Bald Eagle #24-0336 is ready to return to the skies.

This mature eagle was found grounded in a field in Northampton County on March 20. On admission to the Wildlife Center, the veterinary team found a significant ulna fracture in the eagle’s left wing, with a large hematoma present. The eagle also had a laceration on her foot.

The vet team carefully bandaged the eagle’s wing and started the bird on pain medication and anti-inflammatories. Physical therapy and laser therapy were also used to help the eagle’s fracture heal more quickly and ensure the wing maintained a full range of motion. By June, the eagle’s fracture had healed, and she was ready to begin flight conditioning.

The eagle initially had a left-wing droop during exercise sessions, but the wing droop resolved as the bird rebuilt her strength and stamina. On August 10, the eagle was officially cleared for release!

This eagle will be released at the Kiptopeke State Park on Friday, August 16 at 1:00 pm. The release is free and open to the public. Attendees are asked to RSVP with the name and number of people in their party using this webform.

Directions: use the address 3540 Kiptopeke Dr., Cape Charles, VA 23310 for GPS navigation. The release will take place at Shelter Area One; park staff will help direct visitors to the correct location once they have arrived at the park.

The release will take place rain or shine, unless thunderstorms with lightning threaten visitor safety.