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Two bald eagles that have been under the care of the Bramble Park Zoo’s bird rehabilitation program will be released back into the wild this weekend.
The zoo’s bird rehabilitation program has been overseen by Zookeeper John Gilman since 1994. He cares for injured, sick, or orphaned birds from across South Dakota, Minnesota, and North Dakota, working to return them to the wild whenever possible.
One of the eagles is about 1 year old, and the other about 4 years old. The younger one was found injured in Custer State Park, begging for food from campers. It was initially taken to the Black Hills Raptor Center before being brought to Bramble Park Zoo for exercise in its flight pen. The older bird was found near Goodwin, S.D., with minor wing damage and malnourished. The wing healed and the bird is now strong and ready to be released.
“It’s nice that we can release the older bird with the juvenile bird in hopes that that stay together,” Gilman said. “The younger bird has never learned to hunt in the wild.”
Bramble Park Zoo is one of only a few bird rehabilitation centers in the state. The zoo often collaborates and partners with the Black Hills Raptor Center, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and local communities to provide the best possible care.
“We rehabilitate birds in the hopes of releasing them back into the wild, but some, due to severe injuries, are placed in educational or exhibit settings. Unfortunately, some of the injured birds we see must be euthanized to end their suffering, especially when they’ve been injured for days or weeks before being brought to us,” Gilman said. “It’s difficult, but euthanasia is an important part of the process to prevent further suffering. It’s very rewarding when birds can be released back into the wild, especially ducklings and raptors.”
Every year, the zoo cares for 50-80 injured birds, primarily raptors, and rehabilitates 80-120 ducklings during the summer, with many successfully returned to their natural habitats.
Bramble Park Zoo also works with licensed bird bander KC Jensen from Brookings to band and track some of the birds before release. This data provides valuable insights into bird numbers, migrations, and life spans.
The public is invited to witness the bird’s return to the wild and learn more about Bramble Park Zoo’s role in regional wildlife conservation. The eagle release will take place at 1:10 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, at Thompson’s Point State Lakeside Use Area west of Pelican Lake State Recreation Area.
Attendees should arrive at the zoo parking, where they will depart promptly at 12:30 p.m. The public is welcome to follow Gilman to the release location. Please note that transportation will not be provided.
