Friday afternoon, November 4, 12:30pm there will be a special graduation party for a disabled American who has completed his initial rehabilitation at the Sunriver Nature Center and is about to move into vocational training at the Blue Mountain Wildlife Center in Pendleton.
Patriot, the Bald Eagle, who gained national attention through a video of his receiving “mouth-to-beak” resuscitation, has recovered sufficiently to be transferred to his new home in hopes that he can become a “spokeseagle” for the wildlife care center that is in the process of creating a true wildlife hospital.
Patriot was struck by a car near Crane Prairie Reservoir in June, receiving extensive injuries that included head and spinal trauma, a dislocated left shoulder, elbow and wrist and a fractured left ulna bone. He was found along the road by Lora Luft and Dodi Witt, both of La Pine, who brought him to the Sunriver Nature Center. When first presented for medical treatment, Patriot was paralyzed in both legs and near death.
Nature Center staff transferred the eagle to Dr. Jeff Cooney, noted raptor veterinarian. Despite the poor prognosis for survival, Dr. Cooney began intensive care treatment, providing intravenous fluids and supportive care. When the bird survived the first night, Cooney then completed X-rays and blood work to determine the extent of injuries. While the eagle was anesthetized, breathing stopped and Cooney administered mouth-to-beak resuscitation to revive Patriot.
Over the past five months, Patriot has made dramatic improvements, regaining the use of his legs and the fire in his eyes. Unfortunately, Patriot will never be able to fly again. Like so many returning war veterans with crippling injuries, Patriot is now faced with making his living with restricted mobility. At his new home in Pendleton he will receive lots of TLC and be trained to participate in educational programs.
The celebration at the Sunriver Nature Center on Friday is open to the public free of charge and will include a chance see to Patriot as well as the other raptors who reside permanently at the Nature Center. Anyone who makes a donation to either the Nature Center or to help support Patriot in his new home at the Blue Mountain Wildlife Center can have their picture taken with Aquila, the blind Golden Eagle who returned to the Nature Center after more than 20 years in an educational facility in Montana.
For more information, please contact the Sunriver Nature Center at 541 593-4394.
