Bald Eagle Poisoned By Lead Gets Second Chance At Foyil Ranch

Tess Maune, News On 6

FOYIL, Oklahoma -- Two injured bald eagles were dropped off Tuesday at the Wild Heart Ranch in Foyil. One had been shot, and couldn't be saved. The other had eaten lead and was deathly ill so time was of the essence in trying to save that bird.

03/06/2012 Related Story: Foyil Ranch Treated Bald Eagle That Died From Poacher's Bullet

The 5-year-old bald eagle is eating like a queen. But her hearty appetite Thursday is a stark a contrast from Tuesday when Annette Tucker said she'd found the bird clinging to life.

"Her head went to the floor, she started wilting, all the signs of toxicity, poisoning, and death were showing up," Annette said.

Annette and her crew were on stand-by. The situation was frantic and frustrating to say the least.

Once Miracle arrived at the Wild Heart Ranch, Annette and her team hoped to get her to the Tulsa zoo for the medical care that she needed.

The zoo had closed for the day, so a local vet came to care for miracle until she could make it to Tulsa the next day.

Veterinarians believe she's suffering from lead poisoning, something not uncommon when it comes to birds of prey.

"They're scavengers. They'll eat ducks and other birds that are shot. They may scavenge off of caucuses or a deer that's been shot. Lead is very toxic, so just a small amount ingested could kill an eagle," said Dr. Kay Backues, Tulsa Zoo Veterinarian.

Miracle is not out the woods just yet, but things are looking good.

"She actually is stronger, but she's kind of getting used to it and she knows we're helping her. She was in bad shape. She was dying on Tuesday and today if I give her too much space she'll kick all our butts," Annette said.

In order to keep miracle at the Wild Heart Ranch through her rehabilitation, they'll need a bigger flight cage. Right now, they're looking for donations to make that possible.