The Wildlife Center of Virginia, a leading teaching and research hospital for native wildlife, will release a bald eagle on Friday, March 23 at noon at Stratford Hall.

A month ago, Collections Manager Karen Louvar was walking the grounds of Stratford when she saw a bald eagle fall from a tree. The eagle was unable to fly; a conservation police officer captured the bird and took it to a wildlife rehabilitator before the eagle was transferred to the Wildlife Center in Waynesboro, Virginia. The female eagle had a low heart rate, bruising on her keel, and superficial abrasions on her feet. After receiving medical treatment from the Wildlife Center staff and plenty of rest the eagle is now ready to be released back into the wild.

“We are pleased that the eagle has recovered quickly and well and is able to be released here at Stratford Hall,” said John Bacon, Stratford’s President. “We invite the public to come and watch the release and learn more about Stratford’s native wildlife.”

The release event is free and open to the public. Individuals who wish to attend should plan to arrive at Stratford by 11:45 a.m. Guests are asked to park at the Visitor Center and make their way to the oval in front of the Great House where the eagle will be released.