Charlie the Eagle (Safe Wings Ottawa photo)
A sad update to a story we’ve been following.
Charlie the Bald Eagle, who became a local celebrity after he was rescued from the Calabogie area last week, was not able to be saved.
According to Safe Wings Ottawa, Charlie’s full medical exam and x-rays at The Owl Foundation and the National Wildlife Centre showed her injuries were just too severe. The results of her exam showed there simply wasn’t enough stable, healthy bone left to place the pins needed to reconstruct her leg and so the heartbreaking decision was made to humanely euthanize him.
People all over the Ottawa Valley followed Charlie’s story on social media after the call to rescue her went out in late November. Safe Wings Ottawa says they get hundreds of rescue requests each year but Bald Eagles are rarely in their care. They note that the birds need both legs to hunt, perch, balance, and carry out even the most basic behaviours and so they made the heartbreaking decision to humanely euthanize him.
Safe Wings Ottawa says this is an example of why they are cautious about sharing early rescue stories. They say wildlife rehabilitation is full of unknowns, and even the most dramatic, hopeful moments can lead to outcomes none of us want. They’re thanking everyone who followed Charlie’s journey and offered support.
(written by Cindy Clyne)