TACOMA — PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society) today successfully released an adult male bald eagle back to his natural habitat in Tacoma, marking the end of a month-long rehabilitation journey that began when the bird was found grounded and unable to fly along the Tacoma waterfront.
The eagle was discovered on May 29, reportedly unable to fly and grounded for several days. Community members contacted Featherhaven, a nonprofit that rehabilitates injured and orphaned wild birds in Enumclaw. Featherhaven raptor rehabilitator David Ward coordinated the safe capture and transport of the eagle to PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Snohomish.
Upon arrival at PAWS, the wildlife rehabilitation team discovered the eagle had sustained a spiral fracture in his left ulna, along with dehydration and emaciation from being unable to hunt. The specialized injury required 34 days of expert veterinary care and rehabilitation before the raptor was deemed ready for release.
“This bald eagle was given a second chance by those who safely captured and transported him to PAWS for care,” said Anthony Denice, PAWS Wildlife Biologist. “Once the eagle was admitted to our facility, our specialized and experienced team was able to manage his fractured wing and support his recovery.”
The successful release was made possible through collaboration between PAWS and Featherhaven, demonstrating the critical role that community partnerships play in wildlife conservation efforts. Without prompt intervention, the eagle’s injuries would likely have proven fatal.
“Now he’s flying around the bay and engaging other eagles in his natural habitat this morning, barely a month after what would have been a lethal injury,” said Denice. “Experiences like this really affirm the value of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts and we’re proud to do our part.”
PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center cares for more than 4,000 wild animals each year, from tiny songbirds to large raptors like eagles and hawks. The center’s experienced veterinary and rehabilitation staff provide specialized care for injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife with the goal of returning healthy animals to their natural habitats.
Members of the public who encounter injured wildlife are encouraged to contact PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at paws.org for guidance on safe capture and transport procedures.
About PAWS
The Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) helps cats, dogs and wild animals go home and thrive—whether home is the family room or the forest. We do this by rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife, sheltering and adopting homeless cats and dogs, and educating the community to inspire compassionate action for animals. For more than five decades, PAWS Companion Animal Shelter has led the way in providing expert, compassionate care for animals in need. PAWS cares for more than 4,000 dogs and cats each year, provides training and education to strengthen the human-animal bond, and works to end animal cruelty and overpopulation. For more information, visit paws.org.
Source: Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
