Bald Eagle Released After Recovery from Lead Toxicity

Photo credit: Charlie Baughman

BAEA 25-93, the subadult female bald eagle admitted to Think Wild in April after being found grounded in Redmond, Oregon, with severe lead poisoning. We’re pleased to share that after 67 days of intensive care and rehabilitation,this eagle wassuccessfully released back to the wildon the morning ofJune 23, 2025, near Cline Falls in Central Oregon.

Upon admission, the eagle was unable to stand or hold her head up and tested at a blood lead level of 22.2 µg/dL,well above the clinical threshold for lead toxicity (10 µg/dL). Over the following weeks, she received two rounds of chelation therapy, heat and fluid support, and eventually progressed to flight training and rebuilding strength for life back in the wild.

The release was attended by Think Wild hospital and education staff, local supporters, and members of the public who had followed the eagle’s recovery. It was a powerful moment that highlighted the critical role of wildlife rehabilitation and the ongoing threat of lead poisoning to raptors in our region.