On Saturday, October 4, Bramble Park Zoo will release three rehabilitated bald eagles back into the wild. The release will start at 1 p.m. at Thompson’s Point on Lake Pelican. Guests may go directly to Thompson’s Point or meet in the zoo parking lot at 12:30 p.m. to caravan with staff (leaving promptly at 12:40).
Once the group arrives at the site, staff will remove the birds from their carriers and prepare them for flight. While this is happening, a Native drum blessing and prayer will take place to honor the moment. The release will be brief to ensure a healthy return to the wild for the eagles. Once the birds are free, zoo staff will stay to visit with spectators about the rehab program.
Each of the three eagles overcame significant challenges—including West Nile virus and wing injuries - before rehabilitation at the zoo. Their release represents the program’s goal which is to heal wild birds and return them to their natural habitats.
Bramble Park Zoo’s Migratory Bird Rehabilitation Program is the only rehab in South Dakota that takes in sick and injured wild birds. It plays a vital role in the zoo’s conservation work by providing medical care, proper nutrition, and rehabilitation with the goal of returning birds to the wild whenever possible. More than one-third of U.S. bird species are at moderate or high conservation concerns, and many populations are declining. When birds cannot be released, the zoo provides long-term care or partners with zoos and education facilities so the birds can be ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Every eagle in captivity today came through a rehabilitation program like this one.
Community donations help cover the costs of food, medical care, and staff time. Gifts can be made at brambleparkzoo.com by selecting “Donate Now” and noting “Bird Rehab Program.” The public is invited to join and watch these eagles return to the wild.