missouri bald eagle The bullet has almost split his beak in two and he is struggling to survive.
The raptor has undergone three surgeries to repair the extensive damage, but his prognosis remains uncertain.
The eagle, referred to as patient 24-390, was admitted to the hospital. World Bird Sanctuary He was admitted to a hospital in Valley Park, St. Louis County, Missouri, on July 11 with serious injuries.
The injured bird is one of six raptors currently in their care.
Blood tests also revealed that 24-390 was suffering from lead poisoning, a condition that affects more than 75% of the bald eagles treated at the sanctuary.
“The damage to the beak is so severe that it's beyond repair,” said Kira Klebe, the sanctuary's rehabilitation director.
“There are multiple fractures in the jaw, and the beak growth site has also been damaged.”
However, there is still hope for the raptor, as his care team is doing everything possible to return him to the wild.
Klebe said the stitches from his last two surgeries to stabilize the fracture and close the gap in his beak are healing well, as is the jaw fracture.
She adds, “The tissue in the affected areas is looking as good as we would have hoped, with signs of healthy granulation tissue healing in the wounds.”
The first surgery placed cross pins on either side of the fracture, which were then secured with epoxy to create a stable structure on the outside of the beak and maintain proper alignment.
The raptor will require care for several months, possibly over a year.
Just five years ago, Klebe said the sanctuary lacked the equipment and skilled personnel needed to perform such complex repairs on injured eagles.
“Although 24-390's prognosis is still quite uncertain, his ongoing care and his likelihood of recovery reflect the significant progress made at our hospital with your support,” Klebe said.
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