DC Bald Eagle 'Valor' Has Died: Report

WASHINGTON, DC -- It's a sad ending to the story for D.C. bald eagle Valor, who fell from his nest at the National Arboretum recently. He has been euthanized after contracting West Nile virus.

Tristate Bird Rescue and Research in Delaware, where Valor was sent for treatment, said on Facebook that he tested positive for West Nile and his health took a turn for the worse. The bird wasn't eating and was underweight when he arrived at the center, and things weren't improving.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share this update," the post states. "The lack of improvement in Valor’s neurologic symptoms after a week of aggressive supportive care led us to the decision to humanely end Valor’s suffering before his condition deteriorated further."

Tri-State notes that while West Nile is not always fatal in birds, Valor remained "slow to respond to stimuli" after seven days of care and was showing little improvement. He had to be force-fed was very lethargic.

"Subjecting him to further treatment, handling, and captivity and prolonging his suffering would have been inhumane and contrary to our principles as wildlife rehabilitators," the post adds. "A necropsy will be performed at another facility."

Valor was about 12 weeks old at the time of his passing. He was one of two eaglets to hatch from their eggs this spring at the nest, which is monitored at DCEagleCam.org.

He was the offspring of Mr. President and The First Lady, a bald eagle couple that has been laying eggs at the nest each spring for years.

"August 7th marks a very difficult day for the AEF and our many supporters, followers, and friends of the DC Eagle Cam family," reads the DC Eagle Cam website. "Words are not enough to convey the sadness we are feeling for the loss of our precious eaglet, Valor. When Valor fell from his perch on July 26th, none of us knew he was ill. It was only after he was transferred to Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research that the seriousness of his condition was discovered."

Although West Nile is most likely the primary cause of his ill health, the site notes that only after a necropsy will we know of any other ailments Valor may have been suffering from.

"The most difficult but compassionate decision was made to humanely end his suffering this morning," the site adds. "We are thankful for the opportunity to finish the 2018 season watching Mr. President, the First Lady, and Victory. Rest gently, Valor. You were loved."

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images -- Note: The image does not depict the eagles discussed in the article.)