Lorain eagle faces life in captivity after severe injuries

In July, an injured bald eagle was discovered on a front porch in Lorain, Ohio, near her nest at Lakeview Park South. This eagle had sustained severe injuries, including the loss of one eye and damage to her wing, likely from a collision with power lines, which is a more common occurrence than many realize. Following her discovery, the eagle was taken to Back to The Wild, a wildlife rehabilitation and nature education center in Castalia, where she has been receiving care. Over several months, the staff at this center have worked diligently to nurse the injured eagle back to health. During this time, some of her feathers have regrown, but many crucial feathers necessary for flight remained missing, complicating her chances of returning to the wild. Rehabilitation efforts continued in an outdoor enclosure, surrounded by other eagles, where the eagle’s recovery was closely monitored. Despite efforts to restore her health, the team, including caregiver Rutger, concluded that she would not be able to survive independently in her natural habitat. This decision, while based on the bird’s well-being, was emotional for those involved in her care and the community members who admired her from afar. As a result, Rutger plans to submit a permit application to the U.S. authorities for the eagle's long-term care, marking a bittersweet resolution to her rescue story.