Morris Co. Eagle's Health Has Improved, But It's Not Out Of The Woods Yet: Bird Rehab

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — It has been about two months since the Raptor Trust, based in Long Hill Township, took in a sickly bald eagle that was pulled from the icy Hudson River.

For weeks, rehabilitators have been examining the bird to learn what was wrong with it and how to treat it.

Raptor Trust representatives said the bird was in “very serious condition” when they took it in, and conducted a series of X-rays, blood analyses, and other diagnostics to learn how to stabilize it.

An update a week later said the eagle was "still weak, having trouble keeping food down," and had elevated liver numbers in its bloodwork, prompting concern.

Since then, the bird has shown signs of improvement, however. It began eating again, and recent testing did not show significant lead levels (a common ailment in birds), but did show improved liver numbers.

Bird experts, however, did find elevated levels of copper in the bird’s system. They are using a treatment known as chelation to flush the copper out of the bird's system. The first round of chelation did not produce significant results, so experts are trying again.

The Raptor Trust said the process is "successful sometimes, but not always."

Another ailment the eagle is dealing with is eye issues consistent with aging and a general heightened level of inflammation. The bird has been nesting for approximately 20 years, experts said.

In the meantime, the bird will remain under the Raptor Trust's care until it is deemed healthy enough for release.