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This summer, ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Center for Birds of Prey released its 600th rehabilitated Bald Eagle back into the Florida skies with the help of long-time ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ supporters Dick and Mimi Ford. ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ rescued the eagle in March after injuries likely sustained from a territory fight with another eagle. The eagle had punctures all over his face and beak, significant wounds on the right and left wing, wounds on the feet, and lead poisoning. ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ quickly treated him for lead poisoning and coordinated care with Winter Park Veterinary Hospital, a partner animal hospital. Once his wounds healed, the eagle moved to the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Center for Birds of Prey’s 100-foot Disney Magic of Flight barn for reconditioning to prepare for life back in the wild.

As the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Center for Birds of Prey approaches its 40th anniversary this year, releasing its 600th eagle is a fitting tribute to the crucial role ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has played in the recovery and continuing success of the species. While Florida’s population of eagles has recovered significantly since the pesticide-induced decline that reached crisis proportions in the 1960’s, loss of habitat in Florida’s natural areas adds increased pressures to the state’s eagle population.

How you can help

Volunteer Your Time With the Eagles - ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is a leader in eagle care and education with more than 250 volunteers monitoring eagle nests statewide as part of its community science program, ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ EagleWatch. Learn more about ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s EagleWatch program at .

Help the Center Prepare for the Next 600 Eagle Patients - ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ recently launched Restore the Nest, a special campaign to restore and repair its aging aviaries and clinical facilities. Hurricane Irma caused long-lasting damage and exposed weaknesses at the Center. You can support ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s important conservation work by visiting the Center in Maitland or making a gift at .

This article was featured in the Summer/Fall 2018 edition of the Naturalist.  to read the entire magazine.