Detroit Zoo Welcomes One-Winged Bald Eagle Named Mr. America
Royal Oak, MI – A male bald eagle from southern Indiana is in his permanent habitat at the Detroit Zoo after recovering from an injury that prevented him from being released back into the wild. One of the bird’s wings was severely damaged, presumably after he flew into a power line, and had to be amputated.
Named Mr. America by the Vincennes, Ind., licensed rehabber who cared for him, the eagle arrived at the Detroit Zoo in mid-November and spent several weeks in quarantine at the Ruth Roby Glancy Animal Health Complex. He joins another rescued male bald eagle, Flash, in their American Grasslands habitat overlooking Pierson Lake.  Flash arrived from Alaska’s Kodiak Island in 2009 after suffering a wing injury that prevented his release back into the wild.
“We’re happy to offer sanctuary to another rescued, non-releasable eagle and provide him expert care and a great place to live,” said Scott Carter, chief life sciences officer for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS).
Mr. America is estimated to be between 5 and 6 years old and, at just 6 pounds, is considered small for his species. Mature eagles typically weigh 10 to 15 pounds and have a wingspan of 6 to 8 feet.
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) earns its name from the Old English word “balde”, meaning white, referencing the distinctive white feathers covering its head and tail.
The DZS has a long history of rescuing wildlife, and frequently provides sanctuary to exotic animals that are injured, abandoned, surrendered or confiscated.
The Detroit Zoological Society – a renowned leader in education, conservation, animal welfare and sustainability – operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center.  In recognition of its environmental leadership, the DZS received the top Green Award from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and was named Best-Managed Nonprofit by Crain’s Detroit Business.  With an annual regional economic impact of more than $100 million, the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak is one of Michigan’s largest paid family attractions, hosting more than 1.5 million visitors annually.  Its 125 acres of award-winning naturalistic habitats are home to 2,000 animals representing 240 species.  The Belle Isle Nature Center sits on a 5-acre site surrounded by undisturbed forested wetlands on Belle Isle State Park in Detroit.  It provides year-round educational, recreational and environmental conservation opportunities for the community.  For hours, prices, directions and other information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit detroitzoo.org.