A bald eagle in Tennessee that had been ordered euthanized by federal wildlife officials has been given a reprieve after Athens Mayor Larry Eaton challenged the decision.
Phoenix, a female eagle being cared for at Owl Ridge Raptor Center, cannot return to the wild, but a veterinarian said she could live in a permanent captive setting, WTVC reported.
Here's what to know
Phoenix has been at Owl Ridge Raptor Center in Athens since April 7, when she arrived with fractures to the radius and ulna in her left wing, according to veterinarian T.A. Haig.
Haig documented the injuries in a letter dated June 16, per WTVC.
The eagle had surgery at the University of Tennessee on April 9 and then began rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Haig noted in that letter that Phoenix cannot return to the wild because her wing still droops and she "does not fly well." But the veterinarian said that limitation did not, in Haig's view, warrant euthanasia.
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"She will not ever be able to be released and has adapted well to captivity. She is a good candidate for placement," Haig wrote.
Even though Owl Ridge Raptor Center said a permanent home had already been found for Phoenix, Mariah Letowt, a migratory bird permits specialist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, initially told the center the agency was not changing course, WTVC reported.
"We maintain our previous decision that Phoenix is not a good candidate for captivity and that euthanasia is the most humane action for this eagle."
More background
The situation shifted after Eaton appealed to federal officials for another review.
Eaton's argument was that Phoenix's case deserved reconsideration because a licensed veterinarian had evaluated the bird and a permanent placement was already available, WTVC reported.
He also called for greater transparency about how the federal recommendation was made.
The Fish and Wildlife Service told the center it was no longer pressing to put the eagle down.
"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at this time is not recommending euthanasia and will actively explore other options with you for the eagle's continued care," the agency wrote, per WTVC.
What's being done?
Thankfully, Phoenix is no longer under an immediate euthanasia threat.
Federal officials are looking at other options, and Owl Ridge Raptor Center said a permanent home is ready if Phoenix is approved for placement.
Eaton is also seeking full documentation on the decision-making process, a step that could bring more clarity to similar cases in the future.
No final outcome has been announced for Phoenix, but the reversal has reopened the possibility of a long-term future in captivity.
"We must do more to protect our national emblem," Eaton wrote in his appeal.
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