An exciting scene unfolded Saturday morning, March 29, at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve in Leesburg. That’s where a rehabilitated bald eagle was released back into the wild.
A month ago, Officer Acosta with Loudoun County Animal Services found the injured eagle that was suffering from a shoulder fracture as well as lead poisoning.
The eagle was taken to the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center located in Boyce, Virginia where it was brought back to full health. It’s lead levels dropped. The fractured bone healed. And the eagle was able to fly again.
On Saturday, Officer Acosta joined with wildlife rehabilitator Kristi Titus to set the eagle free once again.
A crowd of onlookers watched the big moment, oohing and ahhing and clapping as the eagle took to the air.
You can see the video of the release below.
The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is a non-profit that assists more than 3,500 sick and injured wild animals each year.
(Image at top: Blue Ridge Wildlife Center)