A drenched bald eagle, grounded at a Brantford, Ont., landfill, was rescued and is now recuperating at a wildlife rehabilitation center. The challenging rescue unfolded at the Brantford Landfill Site Scale, where bylaw officers managed to extract the eagle on Monday. Chantal Theijin, the wildlife custodian at Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge, described the eagle’s sorry state upon arrival, soaked and emitting a foul odor akin to a drowned rat.
The eagle likely found itself stranded during heavy rains that swept through parts of Ontario on Monday while scavenging at the dump, a common spot for majestic eagles. Ian Harrower, supervisor of bylaw compliance for the City of Brantford, recounted the rescue operation that required about six individuals to corral the stubborn bird. The team resorted to using dirt bikes to guide the eagle towards on-foot rescuers in muddy conditions.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the rescue operation lasted about 40 minutes and involved a collaborative effort from various parties. The bird, initially feared to have a broken wing, was eventually transferred to Hobbitstee after a stop at Hillside Kennels Animal Control. Theijin noted that eagles are a familiar sight at the refuge, which relies on community donations to support its wildlife rescue efforts.
The recovering eagle is expected to heal fully in two to four weeks, requiring time for its feathers to mend after being cleansed due to an unknown substance. Theijin emphasized the bird’s recovery process, mentioning the eagle’s formidable demeanor towards caretakers as a positive sign of progress. The wildlife sanctuary routinely cares for various wild animals, operating on charitable contributions and volunteer support.