Officials from the Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown invite the public to celebrate the release of two bald eagles this weekend.
Both birds were found in the wild. One was a hatch-year juvenile found orphaned and starving. The other was a four-year-old found with a minor wing fracture. Zoo officials said both are now healthy and ready to release.
Zookeeper John Gilman has overseen the zoo's 35-year-old rehabilitation program since 1994.
"We rehabilitate birds in the hopes of releasing them back into the wild, but some, due to severe injuries, are placed in educational or exhibit settings. Unfortunately, some of the injured birds we see must be euthanized to end their suffering, especially when they've been injured for days or weeks before being brought to us," said Gilman. "It’s difficult, but euthanasia is an important part of the process to prevent further suffering. It’s very rewarding when birds can be released back into the wild, especially ducklings and raptors."
Bramble Park Zoo is one of only a few bird rehabilitation centers in the state and is critical for caring for injured, sick, or orphaned birds from across South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. The zoo often partners with the Black Hills Raptor Center; South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and local communities to return them to the wild whenever possible.
Watch the eagles’ release and learn more about the zoo’s role in regional wildlife conservation Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Thompson’s Point State Lakeside Use Area.
Zoo officials said for those who don’t know where that is, they can meet in the zoo parking lot at 12:30 and follow them to the release location. Transportation from the zoo to the release point will not be available.