MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. – The Florida Wildlife Hospital announced that it is releasing a rehabilitated Bald Eagle back into its natural habitat on Tuesday, just in time for the national bird to enjoy its 4th of July weekend.
The nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to treating and rehabilitating sick, injured, and orphaned native Florida wildlife, has been rehabilitating the injured juvenile eagle for the last three weeks after it was grounded in Merritt Island, officials said.
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Bald eagles, which were once endangered in the Sunshine State, have benefited from recent protection laws, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Florida has one of the densest concentrations of nesting Bald Eagles in the country, with an estimated 1,500 nesting pairs.
“The timing of this eagle release so close to Independence Day is especially meaningful to us,” FWH Executive Director, Tracy Frampton said in a statement. “The Bald Eagle is our national bird because it so perfectly represents freedom, strength, and courage. We are excited for this patient to get his freedom back so close to the holiday, and we want to share it with our community.”
The release is open to the public and scheduled at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Rotary Park on Courtenay Parkway in Merritt Island. To attend, FWH is asking guests to meet at the parking lot by the soccer field.