Dozens of onlookers gathered in Hancock County on Tuesday to witness the release of a rehabilitated bald eagle.
When found six months ago, the female eagle was unable to fly because her flight feathers were mangled, but was otherwise healthy, according to WFIE.com The eagle was taken to Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary, just off Hwy 60 between Guston and Irvington.
The eagle has a wing span of over six feet and needed some time for her flight feathers to grow so that she could be released. After six months of monitoring, the eagle was deemed ready to fly.
The eagle was released along Riverview Drive, in Lewisport.
Broadbent’s goal is to rescue, rehabilitate and release native wildlife back into their natural environment, according to the organization’s website. The staff includes a full-time, on-site veterinarian, and wildlife rehabilitators licensed by the state of Kentucky, in addition to trained, animal caretakers who work together to provide the highest quality of care possible.
Animals that are permanently disabled or unable to be released but can still have a good quality of life remain at the sanctuary with permission from federal and state agencies, and may become Educational Ambassadors to assist in local programs for schools, camps, and civic organizations.
Broadbent also provides a safe haven for abandoned and abused exotic birds and other exotic animals that were former pets, as well as horses.
(Photo: Bald eagle released in Lewisport on Tuesday, courtesy of WFIE.com)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
