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LANCASTER, VA (Wildlife Center of Virginia) — UPDATE (7/23/25): The Bald Eagle was successfully released at Belle Isle State Park on Sunday, July 20, in front of a crowd of about 150 people. Director of Outreach Connor said, “The eagle was ready to go! As soon as we opened the crate, he took flight and flew over the river and out of sight.”
On Sunday, July 20, the Wildlife Center of Virginia will release a Bald Eagle back to the wild—and the public is invited to witness this special event.
The Bald Eagle was admitted to the Center on May 26 in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle in Middlesex County. Upon examination, the veterinary team discovered that the eagle had a damaged air sac (part of the respiratory system) and a fractured coracoid—a critical bone in a bird’s shoulder that supports flight. Bloodwork also revealed dangerously high levels of lead in the eagle’s system.
“These two findings may be related,” said Dr. Olivia, one of the Center’s veterinarians who performed the initial exam. “Often, when eagles suffer from lead poisoning, it leads to neurologic issues, including a lack of coordination. That makes it more difficult for them to fly and maneuver, putting them at risk of being hit by vehicles when scavenging near roadways.”
The veterinary team immediately began treatment to remove the lead from the eagle’s system and started the bird on a course of anti-inflammatories and pain medication. To protect the fractured shoulder, the eagle was placed on strict crate rest.
After several weeks of care, a follow-up exam showed that the fracture had fully healed, and bloodwork confirmed that the lead had been successfully cleared from his system. But the eagle wasn’t cleared for release just yet. Lengthy recoveries, especially those involving fractures, often result in muscle loss and reduced stamina. Before release, the Center’s team worked with the eagle daily to help rebuild his flight strength and endurance.
“We started by having the eagle complete just five flight passes in our outdoor enclosure, but he progressed quickly,” said Olivia. “By July 15, he could manage up to 15 passes and demonstrated excellent flight — and we officially cleared him for release.”
The Wildlife Center will release the eagle on Sunday, July 20, at 1:00 p.m. at Belle Isle State Park, near where the bird was rescued. The event is open to the public, and the Center encourages community members to attend and witness this inspiring moment.
“This eagle’s recovery was only possible thanks to the support of our community,” said a Connor, the Center’s Director of Outreach. “And we can’t wait to show what they made possible—a second chance for this Bald Eagle.”
Attendees who would like to attend the release are asked to RSVP with their name and the number of people in their party using this webform.
For more information on this eagle’s story and upcoming release, visit the Wildlife Center’s website.