Wildlife Refuge Begs Public For Help After Bald Eagle With Amputated Wing Got Stolen From Rescue

Jul 26, 2019 by apost team

Some people don’t realize that not every animal is appropriate to have as a pet, to own, or to even set lose to the wilds. The consequences of not understanding this are often devastating for the animal.

Whatever the motive was in this case, the public is being asked to help a bald eagle from suffering terribly due to the efforts of an ignorant thief.

Sam, a bald eagle estimated to be around 35 or 40 years of age, has lived at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge for over 30 years. The New York refuge is a sprawling 300 acres of nature preserve that many diverse endangered animals have found sanctuary in since 1934.

Over the years, Sam has become a mainstay for regular visitors and one of the refuge’s most popular inhabitants. Now, his cage sits empty thanks to an ignorant thief. Visitors who love and miss Sam have taken to tying ribbons with messages on his empty cage.

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What is especially significant, however, is that Sam suffered a gunshot wound many years ago that resulted in his right wing being amputated. He is unable to fly and survive in the wilds. He needs professional assistance from refuge workers to meet his basic needs.

On July 16, 2019, Sam was stolen from his home and devoted caretakers. Video surveillance shows grainy footage of an unknown individual wearing a cap leaving the facility early in the morning. He was carrying what authorities say is a sack, and Sam is presumed to be in that sack.

Officials say that it would be very difficult to remove Sam from his enclosure without a struggle. The refuge’s assistant director, Marison Nelson, says that even workers had to be very careful handling Sam because of his strength.

They’re unsure whether Sam is injured or even alive, and they have no idea what the thief’s motivation for taking Sam could have been.

The Quogue Wildlife Refuge has spent the last few weeks working with law enforcement for more clues. They’ve taken to Facebook pleading with the public for any information they might have, which has resulted in a social media frenzy tallying thousands of shares.

The refuge is asking whoever has Sam to just drop him off at the nearest veterinarian office. The Nassau SPCA, Suffolk SPCA, and Suffolk County Crime Stoppers have banned together to offer $15,000 in rewards for Sam’s safe return.

It’s a truly heartbreaking story that we can only hope will a happy ending. Help make that happen by spreading this story to anyone and everyone. Leave your thoughts, well wishes, and any questions in the comment section.