Rehab Clinic Golden Eagle Release!!!

On June 10th, the team at Teton Raptor Center celebrated a meaningful milest the release of a long-term patient, Golden Eagle GOEA 25-14. This eagle was admitted to our rehabilitation clinic on February 20, 2025, with head trauma and a fracture to the left metacarpal—a bone in the wing critical for flight.

Treatment for this injury required a carefully managed, multi-step recovery. The eagle spent about four weeks in a specialized splint and wing wrap to stabilize the fracture and support healing. Bone healing in birds typically takes 4–6 weeks, progressing through several stages of callus formation and ossification. Once the wing was strong enough, focus shifted to regaining mobility. The eagle underwent physical therapy to reduce stiffness and inflammation and restore full range of motion. With movement restored, GOEA 25-14 began flight conditioning in our large flight barn—an essential final step to ensure strength, coordination, and endurance before release.

Long-term rehabilitation carries inherent risks. Wild patients often experience stress in human care, which can lead to complications. In this case, the eagle’s restlessness during recovery caused a secondary chest laceration that required additional treatment and extended the patient’s stay.

Despite setbacks, this story is one of resilience and success. GOEA 25-14’s return to the wild is a testament to the skill, patience, and daily dedication of our clinic team, who work tirelessly to balance effective care with the well-being of every wild patient. Watch the release in this week’s patient update.