Beloved Bald Eagle, Murphy, Dies After Missouri Storms
A celebrated bald eagle, known for incubating a rock in 2023, has died at the age of 33 following recent severe storms in Missouri. The bird, named Murphy, was mourned Saturday.
Murphy’s Passing at World Bird Sanctuary
Murphy, who exceeded the typical 25-year lifespan for his species, passed away last week at the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, Missouri. Sanctuary personnel suggest that the intense storms, which caused widespread damage and fatalities across the region last weekend, may have contributed to the eagle’s death.
Storms and Safety Protocols
The sanctuary noted that their birds have access to storm shelters and that they maintain emergency plans for various environmental situations. Evacuations were not conducted as no tornado threats materialized near the sanctuary. Three other birds sharing Murphy’s shelter survived the storms.
Necropsy Reveals Head Trauma
A veterinary examination, or necropsy, indicated that the bald eagle suffered head trauma. In a social media statement, the sanctuary stated, “We cannot definitively determine if Murphy was startled and injured his head jumping from a perch, or if wind and heavy rain contributed to the injury.”
Murphy’s Legacy: From Rock Incubator to Foster Parent
Living within the sanctuary’s Avian Avenue exhibit, Murphy gained widespread recognition in 2023 for his unusual dedication to incubating a rock. His paternal instincts were later fulfilled when he fostered an injured eaglet, successfully nurturing it back to health for eventual release into the wild. Subsequently, a second eaglet was placed under Murphy’s care and is anticipated to be released this summer.
“Murphy’s Manor” to Honor Beloved Eagle
“To commemorate Murphy’s legacy, we intend to name the future eagle fostering aviary ‘Murphy’s Manor,’” the sanctuary’s statement concluded, “ensuring his memory endures for years to come.”