Audubon Center for Birds of Prey released the 375th rehabilitated Bald Eagle back into the Florida skies on Wednesday, November 4th, at the Disney Wilderness Preserve as part of its 30th Anniversary celebration. This fall marks 30 years of raptor rehabilitation, conservation and education in Central Florida--a significant milestone in the care and conservation for Florida's raptors.
An adult male Bald Eagle was rescued on September 12th in Kissimmee, Florida. Injuries indicated the bird was hit by a motor vehicle and suffered from a fractured pelvis. The bird also received punctures on and around his head, corneal abrasions on his right eye and severe bruising on his back. After a month of intensive medical treatment, recuperation and several weeks of rehabilitation, the bird was ready for release in the wild.
The Center opened on October 19, 1979, in Maitland thanks to a generous donation from the Baldwin Family. That first year sixty-six sick, injured and baby raptors were admitted for care. Today, the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is the largest raptor rehabilitation facility east of the Mississippi River treating nearly 600 raptors of 21 species annually thanks to the support of our dedicated donors, supporters and volunteers. "The Center for Birds of Prey is the heart and soul of Audubon in Florida. The success we have had returning Eagles, Hawks and Owls to the wild is emblematic of the core values of Audubon’s mission. The fact that we have the most concentrated nesting population of eagles anywhere in the world here in Central Florida, and the fact that there are more Eagles in Central Florida today than in the entire 48 states in the mid 1960’s speak volumes about the success of this remarkable facility" states Charles Lee, Director of Advocacy for Audubon of Florida.
This eagle release is part of the Center's 30th anniversary celebration leading up to the Wind Beneath our Wings event being held next Thursday, November 12th, at the UCF FAIRWINDS Alumni Center. The Center will be celebrating the conservation milestones reached in the past 30 years and take flight into the future as we honor those who have been such a significant part of the Center’s success. Honorees include Charles Lee, Director of Advocacy, Audubon of Florida, Dr. Robert Hess, Winter Park Veterinary Hospital and the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. For more information regarding the Center’s Wind Beneath our Wings anniversary event please our website or call 407-644-0190.
