The Ohio Wildlife Center released a rehabilitated adult bald eagle on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Deer Haven Park, 4183 Liberty Road, Delaware.

The bald eagle was originally admitted to the Ohio Wildlife Center on March 24, 2026, after being discovered in a roadside ditch near the new Eagle Ridge park area by a Preservation Parks of Delaware County officer.

Upon intake and examination, the eagle was diagnosed and treated for lead poisoning. Additional diagnostics conducted with the support of The Ohio State University revealed the bird also suffered from an older eye injury that resulted in loss of vision in one eye.

Despite these challenges, the eagle responded successfully to treatment and rehabilitation efforts. After completing flight conditioning and demonstrating the ability to successfully capture live prey, the eagle was approved for release by both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

This release represents a collaborative conservation success between wildlife officers, veterinary specialists, rehabilitation staff, and volunteers dedicated to returning native wildlife back to the wild.

Deer Haven Park is one of 13 parks that comprise the Preservation Parks of Delaware County, a metro park district. Find more at https://preservationparks.com.