Animal handlers capture an eagle that had been found on the ground in Kaukauna's La Follette Park. KPD photo.
Animal handlers capture an eagle that had been found on the ground in Kaukauna's La Follette Park. KPD photo.
Animal handlers capture an eagle that had been found on the ground Feb. 14, 2017, in Kaukauna’s La Follette Park. KPD photo.

Update: 2/16/2018 — The eagle died this morning according to the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. Read MORE.

KAUKAUNA — A good Samaritan may have saved the life of majestic bald eagle that was rescued Feb. 14, 2017 from La Follette Park.

The eagle, which had no apparent injuries, is being cared for at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay.

“We are currently giving the eagle supportive care with fluids and oral feedings and have it under observation,” said senior animal keeper Matt Rupnik.

The bird apparently had been on the ground in La Follette Park for several hours when a neighbor noticed it and called the sanctuary in Green Bay.

Staff from the sanctuary then contacted Kaukauna police Tuesday requesting assistance, and the bird was captured about 8 p.m., according to Assistant Chief Jamie Graff.

Officers snapped a quick photo of the eagle before it was transported to Green Bay and posted it to the department’s Facebook page where it quickly was shared throughout the Fox River Valley.

Rupnik said the bird is a mature adult bald eagle, approximately 5 years old. The gender is unknown at this point.

When the eagle was admitted to the sanctuary last night, according to Rupnik, it was of good weight with no noticeable injuries found, but was noticeably weak with a slight head droop.

“It is too early in the process to determine a diagnosis as well as what the long-term prognosis will be,” Rupnik said.

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary treats anywhere from two or three eagles per year to as many as 10.

Rupnik reminds residents that if they are concerned about an animal in their yard or area, contact the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary anytime between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily at 920-391-3685.

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By Dan Plutchak

Dan Plutchak, born and raised in Kaukauna, is cofounder of Kaukauna Community News.