The Bald Eagle That Soared Again Just in Time for Independence Day

On the golden slope of early autumn last September, a visitor to a Hayward Wisconsin park stumbled upon a heart-stopping sight. In the thicket beside a lake was a Bald Eagle lying still and clearly in agony. Her leg was a mangled mess of flesh with a ghastly wound that twisted from knee to ankle. She was alive but barely so. Infection had taken hold and the skin was completely gone.

This was no ordinary bird in distress. This was Kere an icon of the American spirit. Her wings were folded yet she was still unmistakably one of nature's most majestic creatures. Her rescue was timely in an odd way. The year was ending but a new page for Kere was only beginning.

A vet who never lost hope

Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital's Dr. Kim Ammann had seen her fair share of difficult cases. But one was going to test her to the limit. The leg incision was a full 360 degrees and with no decent skin to close it there were few conventional solutions. Most would have considered the case hopeless.

But the Bald Eagles are symbolic for a reason. They provide us with the courage and strength we require. Quitting was not in the cards for Dr. Ammann. She had operated on over 200 birds alone last year, including 75 Bald Eagles. She was not going to let this one slip away.

Rather, she looked to science and a little bit of luck. An Icelandic company, Kerecis, had recently created a new method of wound healing. It used the whole skin of North Atlantic Cod fish. It had shown potential in the human population and was being tested for the first time in veterinary medicine.

A calming caress from the ocean

Fish skin may seem like an odd way to heal a raptor but the science is fascinating. Wild-caught cod skin retains the natural form with the omega-3 fatty acids that promote tissue growth and fight inflammation. As a wound cover the graft creates a natural scaffold that allows the body to regenerate.

Kerecis gifted the grafts after witnessing Kere's plight. It would be the first instance their product would be utilized on a Bald Eagle. It would not be quick. It would be a lengthy process to cure a wound of this scale. But it had hope where there once hadn't.

For ten months, Kere's leg slowly changed. The grafts kept the wound as resistant to infection as possible and permitted new tissue to form. Dr. Ammann changed the bandages from time to time while Kere waited patiently, wide-eyed and immobile. The bird that had lain injured in the woods was learning to trust.

A bond that transcended species Throughout the long process of recovery, Dr. Ammann and Kere developed a relationship of respect and understanding. "The trust she had in me made it possible to accomplish what we did" Dr. Ammann said. "She tolerated bandage changes every few days for months. She was awake for them watching me. She left the wraps alone and kept eating and taking her medications."

That sense of camaraderie isn't common. It touched Kere's heart and perhaps her resolve to fly again. She wasn't just existing. She was eager to fly again.

Freedom takes flight

On June 22 Kere was once again released into the wild. As she flew into the Wisconsin blue sky her wings beat strongly and beautifully. The scene was like a movie. A once-broken bird now flew again just in time for America's birthday.

To the audience that had assembled, it was more than a victorious happy ending. It was a reminder. Freedom is not just a concept. It is there in the will of a wild creature who fought to return to the sky.

It is all very close to home for Dr. Ammann. "To this bird it's everything. It's their life and it's the only chance they have at returning and keeping life" she says.

Innovation with empathy

The collaboration between Kerecis and Dr. Ammann is an indication of a new trend in veterinary medicine where innovation demarcates lines previously reserved for human treatment. Marta Hines, who manages veterinary development at Kerecis, states "Our fish skin grafts are used to heal a variety of wounds whether traumatic or chronic. That they worked on an eagle like Kere is a testament to their potential."

That promise can now assist others. More veterinarians learning about the technology animals previously believed to be beyond help can now harbor new hope.

A story to remember this July Fourth

As Americans gather for fireworks and parades Kere's story infuses a note of quiet reflection. She is more than a bird that healed. She is a living embodiment of everything that the Bald Eagle represents. Independence strength dignity and an unyielding determination to survive.

This Fourth of July if you looked up and saw a flash of a Bald Eagle riding the thermals up above the treetops remember Kere. Out there somewhere she is flying free once more. And that is something to celebrate.

Supporting the movement The work at Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital continues all year round thanks to donors volunteers and committed professionals like Dr. Ammann. To help protect even more birds like Kere you can donate towards their cause and keep the skies wild and free.