Rehabilitated Bald Eagle Released Back Into Wild In SD County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — An injured bald eagle was released back into the wild following weeks of rehabilitation and just ahead of the Fourth of July, the San Diego Humane Society announced Friday.

The bald eagle was found in Warner Springs with a wing droop and unable to fly. The bird was brought to the Humane Society's Pilar and Chuck Bahde Wildlife Center on June 8. After nearly a month in care, the bald eagle was released Thursday at the Lake Henshaw Scenic Overlook.

"Bald eagles have been a longstanding symbol of freedom, so it's incredible to see this bird return home just before July Fourth," said Andy Blue, campus director of San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center. "The Lake Henshaw Scenic Overlook is a perfect location because of its proximity to several locally active Southern California bald eagle's nest territories."

While at the Bahde Wildlife Center, Project Wildlife's medical team provided the injured bald eagle with heat support, fluids and nutrition, according to the Humane Society. Veterinarians performed radiographs and blood tests. The bird was then sent to the Humane Society's Ramona Campus to gain flight strength in an aviary.

The Humane Society's Project Wildlife is the primary resource for wild animal rehabilitation and conservation education in the county, according to the Humane Society.

Each year, the Humane Society gives more than 12,000 injured, orphaned and sick wild animals a second chance at life at the Pilar and Chuck Bahde Wildlife Center. In 2020, the organization announced a new campus in Ramona, where they specialize in caring for native apex predators and birds of prey.