Workers at the Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center in Grants Pass, OR, first met a small baby eagle at their facility last April. Upon her arrival, they weren’t sure how long she would survive. Orphaned at only a few days old, she looked frail and the center feared the worst. Luckily, their fears were short lived, as they were able to stabilize her to a healthy weight.
Starbuck, named after the coffee chain from her home state, was introduced to the adult bald eagles already living in the facility. The center wasn’t exactly sure how well the adults, Squeaky and Haggis, would adjust to the kiddo in their lives. After a bit of time, they realized they had nothing to worry about. They adopted her as if she was their own child.
The new parents took to feeding and caring for the youngster over the months as she grew.
She blossomed under their parenting.
After 6 months, she was fully grown and gorgeous.
She was raised similarly to eagles in the wild. This helped her get released back into nature.
(via The Dodo.)
She came a long way from the small start, and thanks to her adopted parents, might even start her own family in the wild. You can learn more about the facility and her incredible journey on the organization’s website.
