Rescued bald eagle shows improvement at Morris County wildlife rehabilitation center
MILLINGTON, N.J. (Morris County) – A bald eagle rescued in New York last month is showing signs of improvement while recovering at The Raptor Trust wildlife rehabilitation center, according to officials.
The adult eagle, rescued Feb. 17 by the NYPD Harbor Patrol and later transported to the New Jersey facility by officers from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, had been in critical condition when it arrived.
Staff at The Raptor Trust said recent follow-up blood tests show the eagle’s previously elevated liver levels have dropped significantly. The bird is now more alert, eating on its own and keeping food down — a major improvement from its condition upon arrival.
Because of its progress, the eagle has been moved from critical care into a larger outdoor enclosure as it continues to regain strength.
Officials said the bird’s white blood cell count remains high, suggesting it is still fighting an infection or possible toxicity.
Initial in-house testing for lead poisoning — a common issue affecting bald eagles — did not reveal dangerously high lead levels, though officials said the test did not rule out other types of poisoning or infection.
As the eagle’s condition improves, veterinarians are conducting additional testing. A comprehensive blood panel currently being analyzed at a laboratory will screen for other toxins and heavy metals.
Wildlife experts said they are cautiously optimistic as they await those results.
The Raptor Trust is a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center that treats injured and orphaned birds of prey and other wild birds.
