Case Y-620, The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota

General Information
Species: Bald Eagle
Date Admitted: 11/4/98
Recovered From: Grand Rapids
State: Minnesota
Sex: Unknown

Dragging a steel jawed trap from its hind toe and dazed with lead poisoning, the bald eagle was recovered by DNR Officer Jim Schneeweis of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and presented to The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine on November 4, 1998. At the time of admission, the bedraggled bird was exhibiting signs of exhaustion, dehydration, and exposure. Its injured toe was devoid of blood supply, warmth, and feeling. Analysis of a blood sample yielded a blood lead concentration of 0.45 parts per million, which is a compromising, but not invariably fatal level of lead. The exact source of the lead could not be ascertained, although the likely source, based on experience with other eagles, is expended munitions, either shotgun pellets or shrapnel from a slug or rifle bullet.

green diarrhea stain on tail indicates lead poison

In a seldom-performed procedure, the injured toe was amputated by surgeons at The Raptor Center. The eagle was given chemical agents to absorb the lead from its system. It responded well to both treatments and began its physical reconditioning for release to the wild on Dec. 15, 1998.

The volunteer flight crew observing its response to exercise reported that it flew very well. At the time of release, the eagle will be banded with a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service numbered band and will be carrying a radio transmitter that sends a signal to a satellite. This will allow continuous tracking of its movements as it assimilates back into the wild population.

The eagle was released at the Isaak Walton Reserve in Brooklyn Park, MN, by Governor Jesse Ventura on January 2, 1999.

Governor Ventura releases TERRY (Y-620)
January 2, 1999

Download Quicktime Video of Governor Ventura's Eagle Release

January 2, 1999, was cold and snowy, yet the mood was celebratory in anticipation of the release of eagle Y-620 by Governor Ventura as the kickoff for inaugural events during the following week. Eagle Y-620, renamed Terry at the request of Ventura, arrived to the Isaak Walton site amid University of Minnesota, Raptor Center, and Ventura supporters and other well-wishers. The media circus followed Governor Ventura from the moment he, his family, and Lt. Governor May Schunk arrived.

President of the Breckinridge Chapter of the Isaak Walton League Steve Schaust welcomed everyone from the platform stage and introduced Dr. Frank Cerra, senior vice president for Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Cerra proceeded to welcome to the stage Governor Ventura, Lt. Governor Schunk, Dr. Jeff Klausner, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Patrick Redig, director of the Raptor Center. Dr. Redig arrived on stage with the eagle in his arms and a small towel covering the bird's head to keep it calm. As Dr. Redig gave the details of the eagle's history and recovery, raptor care technician Jane Goggin instructed Ventura on eagle release technique.

Terry was then handed over to Ventura, who commented about not wrestling with this creature's beak and talons, and after a brief photo opportunity, the crowd was directed to count to three. With a powerful lift from Jesse Ventura's arms, Terry flew over the heads of the crowd and into the wind. The eagle banked around, brushed through some trees, found a large tree with strong perch to rest a while, then flew off toward the west.

After the release of Terry the Eagle, the Ventura entourage met everyone in the clubhouse for more photos and homemade cookies. Photos were taken of the The Raptor Center's education birds with the governor as he met with TRC staff and asked questions about Minnesota birds of prey and finished his interviews with the media.