Injured Bald Eagle Under Expert Care

March 22, 2019

Last week, Green Chimneys Wildlife Expert Paul Kupchok received an unexpected call. A local farmer and a New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officer captured an injured Bald Eagle in Dover Plains. The eagle was in need of help.

Injured Bald Eagle with Green Chimneys Animal Caretaker Hannah Hughes

The adult Bald Eagle was transported to Green Chimneys by DEC Officer Zach Crain. It was carefully assessed by animal caretaker Hannah Hughes. In addition to securing the eagle’s injured right wing, Hannah began researching the band on the eagle’s leg. Numbers on bands are entered into the US Bird Banding database in Maryland. Hannah learned that the eagle was banded 8 years ago in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

After further examination by Dr. Jack Wilson of Brewster Veterinary Hospital, it was determined that the eagle’s elbow joint was shattered. Dr. Wilson is hopeful that the joint may be repaired in time and confirmed that the bird was in excellent health otherwise.

As the eagle recovers in a private section* of the Paul C. Kupchok Wildlife Center at Green Chimneys, our team is working diligently to keep the Bald Eagle calm and not cause him any undue stress.

Permanently injured by the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, this Bald Eagle lived over 20 years under our care.

This is not the first time a Bald Eagle received care at Green Chimneys. In 1989, we received a Bald Eagle who had been soaked in oil and had dislocated his wing during the Exxon Valdez oil spill. He was transported from the oil spill in Tatilek, Alaska to Green Chimneys. Due to his injuries, a portion of his wing was amputated and he had to remain in captivity. His majestic, stately presence provided many lessons to students and visitors alike. He stayed in our care for the remainder of his days – over 20 years! Green Chimneys is one of the few places in New York State that has the proper licenses and permits required to rehabilitate Bald Eagles.

Rehabilitation & Release

We do our best to ensure that birds are kept safe and lead full, healthy lives. At this time it is too soon to predict the fate of the Bald Eagle currently in our care. In time we will know if he can recover enough from his injury to live again in the wild.

Keep In Touch

Watch for updates on the Bald Eagle’s rehabilitation here as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

*In support of the eagle’s recovery, this eagle is not visible to the public.

July 2019 Update

After four months of rehabilitation, the eagle’s elbow injury was deemed permanent and would make survival in the wild impossible. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will permit the Bald eagle to live out the remainder of its days at Green Chimneys.

The eagle is viewable at The Farm & Wildlife Center which is open to the public on weekends from 10am-3pm. Please note that due to weather conditions, animal care priorities, and educational programming, not all animals may be visible at all times. Plan your visit