Independence Day brings freedom for rehabilitated bald eagle

Posted to On Campus by Jimmy Hibsch at 11:12 a.m., July 4, 2011

The MU Raptor Rehabilitation Project released "Einstein," a rehabilitated bald eagle, back into the wild Monday after two months in rehabilitation.

Showing severe signs of neurological problems, Einstein was brought to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital on April 20 by a Missouri Department of Conservation agent. At his inception, he appeared disoriented and depressed, was unable to stand and had uncoordinated movements. It was found this was the result of Einsein consuming toxic levels of lead from the fish he had been eating. He was released from the hospital May 18, and has been in rehabilitation since.

Four more birds are awaiting their release back into the wild, in addition to nine more that cannot be released.