SEQUIM — Caregivers for a juvenile bald eagle wounded last month hope to know soon when it can begin rehabilitation at the Northwest Raptor & Wildlife Center.
The eagle is still in veterinary care, where it has remained since it was found on the West End on Dec. 15 with a gunshot wound that threatened its life and shattered a portion of the left wing.
“Almost a month after the shooting, the eagle’s wound is healing nicely,” said public relations director Matthew Randazzo.
“We are hopeful that we will soon know when he will be able to be released from veterinary care and begin his full rehabilitation process at the center in Sequim.”
The raptor center rescued the bird after it was found shot near Beaver.
The investigation into who shot it continues.
“In addition to normal medicines, we’ve been treating his wound with honey, which has been found to have a very beneficial effect in recent studies,” said Jaye Moore, Raptor & Wildlife Center director.
“The wound is healing beautifully, but he continues to struggle with having his left wing bandaged.
“Being bandaged makes an eagle unbalanced, and an unbalanced eagle has a great deal of trouble eating on his own since they typically use their talons to eat.
“The sooner we can get that wing free, the better he’ll feel, and the less help he’ll need being fed.”
The raptor center is raising money to take care of the young male eagle, as well as other birds in its care.
“We thank everyone who has sent in donations or tips regarding the shooting,” Randazzo said.
Tips leading to the capture of the person who shot this eagle can be sent to Matthew@NWRaptor Center.com and phoned into the state Department of Fish and Wildlife at 877-933-9847.
Those interested in donating to help for the care of the eagle may visit NWRaptorCenter.com or Facebook.com/ NorthwestRaptorCenter.
