A bald eagle that was given a second chance at life as an ambassador for a Vancouver Island wildlife rescue has died after his health deteriorated over the past year.
Humpty, the eagle ambassador for MARS Wildlife Rescue in Merville, passed away on Canada Day after residing at the rescue centre for more than a decade.
The bird was dubbed Humpty because he was discovered in 2015 several days after having taken a great fall.
“By the time he was found, he was severely emaciated, dehydrated, and likely suffering from heat stroke,” MARS said in a social media post.
With the odds against him, the eagle made a remarkable comeback thanks to the care and skill of MARS staff.
“Unlike the nursery rhyme, our rehabilitators truly did manage to put Humpty back together again,” the rescue said.
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Humpty became a mainstay at the Merville wildlife centre over the next decade, entertaining hundreds of visitors and becoming known for “his gentle nature, his goofy honks, and feathers that made him look as though he’d just rolled out of bed.”
But in the last 12 months, the eagle started to suffer from various medical issues that impacted his neurological function and overall health, and despite veterinarians’ efforts to ease his suffering, his condition became worse.
“With great sadness, Humpty was peacefully laid to rest on Wednesday, July 1, surrounded by people who loved and cherished him,” MARS said, adding that Humpty’s legacy will live on through his impact to the community.
“Soar high and fly free, Humpty,” MARS wrote. “You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”
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