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Juvenile bald eagle being treated in Freeport, suspected lead poisoning

A juvenile bald eagle is receiving emergency care from wildlife staff at the Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Florida after likely lead poisoning, the animal rescue said Tuesday. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission alerted Alaqua’s wildlife team on Monday about the downed eagle, estimated to be less than six months old. The bird […]

Alaqua Animal Refuge

A juvenile bald eagle is receiving emergency care from wildlife staff at the Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Florida after likely lead poisoning, the animal rescue said Tuesday.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission alerted Alaqua’s wildlife team on Monday about the downed eagle, estimated to be less than six months old. The bird exhibited swelling in one ankle and neurological symptoms, according to Alaqua.

Veterinarians ran blood tests and took radiographs to check for rodenticide or lead poisoning, which Alaqua said affects around 70% of admitted bald eagles. Results showed suspected lead toxicity, although further radiograph results are still pending.

Alaqua Animal Refuge
  • The eagle is currently perching in an outdoor enclosure while undergoing treatment, the center said.

The Refuge stressed the need for donations to fund medical technology that could allow “more speed and accuracy” in diagnosing and treating wildlife. The center is also requesting bait fish donations to feed the influx of migratory birds arriving with injuries, she said.

“With migration season in full swing, we are seeing a lot more Avian injuries lately,” wrote Alaqua on social media. “If you or anyone you know have any to donate, our feathered friends would greatly appreciate it.”

Alaqua Animal Refuge
Alaqua Animal Refuge

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“Thee is no such a thing as affordable housing for over half the people that live in this area. People can’t afford 300, 400 or 500k for a house. Build...”
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“That portion has been closed because of wild hogs destroying it, I believe”
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“Got make up for the 10 mill purchase of the SS United States and getting fined 1k a day while it still sits in port”
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“Follow the $. It's highly probable the developers have a military connection. And "affordable housing" is a sad case of smoke and mirrors.”
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“Why not give the actual location of the new school, but from the little you gave on that point, I'm "assuming" that it will, like just about nearly every school...”
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“Is HCA Twin Cities able to provide cardiac care?”
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“It is amazing on one hand Walton county will purchase 2,000 acres for a state park and claim it is all about the enviroment amd protecting the Florida Black Bear...”
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“Here goes all our natural Woods & Wild Life . Next thing you know they'll be building Businesses. And Gas Stations . And Big Houses .”
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“It would be nice to know where it will be located. What about designs and will it have primitive camping or a combination of RV sites. What, no artist rendition?...”
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“Can we get a more exact location of the park???”
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