Memphis Zoo staff members, accompanied by The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA), released a rehabilitated adult male bald eagle into Lauderdale County on Thursday, May 3.

After a thorough examination, Dr. Felicia Knightly, Memphis Zoo Senior Veterinarian, determined the bird had a blockage in its throat. Knightly removed the blockage, and kept a watchful eye on the patient during its recovery. After a week, the bird resumed eating its normal diet, and began the process of rehabilitation.

“Successfully treating, and ultimately releasing a bald eagle back into the wild is another rewarding way that conservation plays a role in our work,” said Knightly. “Partnering with the TWRA on this successful recovery has allowed Memphis Zoo to do what we do best – help animals thrive. To see one of our nation’s symbols soar back into the sky today gave me great pride in this team effort.”

On average, Memphis Zoo helps rehabilitate three bald eagles a year. Once the rehabilitation process has been completed, the eagles are returned to the location where they were originally found. All bald eagles in captivity, including those in AZA accredited zoos, are birds that can no longer survive in the wild.

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