Xrays done at Long Lake Animal Hospital revealed that the eagle had been shot. (Note the 2 small light circles in the xray.)
Several lead pellets were embedded in her body. One of the pellets had fractured the ulna bone, which is one of two bones located in the wing, between the wrist and the elbow.
After fracturing the bone the pellet then lodged inside the bone cavity.
Once the young eagle was stable enough, surgery was performed on Dec 28 by Dr. Eric Peck and assistant Julie Januchowski (Northern Michigan Veterinary Hospital).
The 2 1/2 hour surgery was complicated and intense due to the extreme damage done by the lead pellets.
One the injury was cleaned up and the bones aligned, the wing was sutured, a bandage applied and the bird was taken off anesthesia.
Unfortunately, about 20 minutes post surgery,
the young eagle passed away.
This youngster's life was cut short by the idiot who intentionally shot her. Such a tragic situation...and so preventable.
The eagle, while here at Wings of Wonder, showed me that she was curious about life, was very personable, very chatty and extremely appreciative of the free meals she had here.
She and her wonderful spirit will be much missed.
We've been having alot of idiots locally just shooting animals and leaving them to die. Three deer carcasses were dumped off the Oviatt on private land with just the back strap and antlers taken prior to offical start of rifle season. It was a waste of food for those in need.
ReplyDeleteIf you see people dumping, no matter what it is, or illegally shooting, Report them! You're doing us all a favour.
So sad... I wish that all human beings would realize that we are not above other creatures with whom we share the Earth. Thank you for your passion and your compassion Rebecca... it is truly heart-warming and contagious.
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