MANSFIELD – The injured bald eagle, that captured the hearts of many in north central Ohio over the Fourth of July weekend with its American flag-colored cast, has died.
“Little Liberty” was recovered and delivered to the Ohio Bird Sanctuary on Orewiler Road on the nation’s 250th anniversary. She had fallen from her nest and, unable to fly, was suffering from complications of dehydration.
After testing and finding no other issues in Liberty’s blood, the sanctuary’s staff began to worry about organ failure.
“When we picked her up, she felt literally light as a feather,” Amanda Vanderford, curator of animals at OBS, said to Richland Source after Liberty was recovered. “Healthy eagles, when they’re fully grown, range from 8 to 13 pounds, depending on the sex or if they’re a little chunky. They’re a decent-sized bird.”
Liberty’s emaciation was the main cause for concern. The veterinary staff was able to prevent organ failure, but “despite intensive supportive care and every effort to stabilize and rehabilitate from our staff and her veterinary team, the lasting effects of that dehydration led to significant damage to her joints,” said OBS in a somber notice on Facebook.
“Over time, it became clear that these changes were permanent and caused pain and difficulty standing and walking. These changes would prevent her from ever being comfortable or having any quality of life, even in human care.”
Liberty’s impact on the staff at OBS was immediate. The fact that the sanctuary was even open was pure chance, as it is typically closed on holidays.
To commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary, the blue cast Liberty donned to keep her IV in place was decorated with red and white stars and stripes.
Her story was an immediate hit, particularly due to its timing. What could be more American than a bald eagle, dressed in the nation’s colors, who was saved on the nation’s birthday?
“Sharing Liberty’s story has given us the opportunity to feel so much love and support from people all over,” OBS said. “The outpouring of generosity allowed us to give Liberty, and others in our hospital, the care they deserve.”
