01/30/2025
Thank you CROW - Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc. for providing these answers to our viewers near and far.
Our concern for M15 & F23 is top of mind and we pray they can pull through this terrible virus together.
CROW confirms avian flu cause of death of eaglets E24 and E25:
A note from CROW’s Research and Medical Director Jessica Comolli, DVM, MS, CWR, Dipl. ACZM and CROW's Executive Director Alison Hussey:
Our CROW team mourns the loss of eaglets E24 and E25 along with our community and those who have been watching the Eagle Cam from near and far. Our purpose and our passion are caring for our native wildlife, and the loss is heartbreaking for all of us. We extend our gratitude to everyone who has reached out with words of support.
Late Wednesday, Jan. 29, CROW received notification that the two eaglets tested positive for Avian Influenza (HPAI). Per protocols, last night Dr. Comolli notified state and federal agencies.
The current strain of Avian Influenza is a Highly Pathogenic form of the H5N1 virus which has caused devastating losses in the birds it affects. While some birds, such as waterfowl, can shed the virus while remaining asymptomatic, other species, such as birds of prey, are highly susceptible and can succumb to the disease rapidly, as we witnessed with the eaglets in this nest. CROW will continue to work in partnership of governmental officials to monitor the wellbeing of the adult eagles.
ADDRESSING EAGLE CAM CONCERNS:
We are aware of concerns and questions regarding the “Eagle Cam” eaglets, E24 and E25, and wanted to clarify information being shared in the media and through social media.
Again, we deeply appreciate the public’s interest in the eaglets’ health and wellbeing, and understand their deaths is sad, disheartening and certainly emotional for all of us who follow the “Eagle Cam.”
We wanted to share the facts and help clarify some misinformation about recent events.
Timeline of Events:
• Monday, Jan. 27: After learning of E24’s death and confirming that its removal was necessary for the health and safety of the eagle family, CROW was granted federal and state authorization to retrieve E24’s body. CROW did not have authorization to pull E25 from the nest at the time of retrieval, but our veterinarian on scene completed a visual exam and found E25 bright and alert with no signs of stress. To minimize the potential effects of human contact (E25 was actively avoiding and moving closer to the edge of the nest), our team member immediately returned to the ground. At this point, CROW notified the public that it had retrieved E24 and a necropsy would be performed.
• Tuesday, Jan. 28: CROW learned that E25 had seized and fallen from the nest overnight, and two CROW team members met with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to retrieve E25. A veterinarian was on hand and prepared to render aid if the eaglet was still alive. E25 was found to be deceased on scene and was sent off for advanced testing.
• Wednesday, Jan. 29: As of this time, CROW does not have authorization to attempt capture of M15 and F23, the parent eagles. This task would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, and unsafe because they are both flighted eagles. CROW continues to work in partnership with the Prichett Family and FWC to monitor the wellbeing of the adult eagles.
Some important things to note:
• CROW’s background: CROW is a dedicated wildlife hospital and rehabilitation center that is open 7 days a week. However, it is not a 24-hour facility, nor does it have sufficient staffing to monitor a nest over 30 miles away (and approximately 90 minutes) from our Sanibel campus. Therefore, CROW relies on professional partners and volunteers to assist in situations such as this.
• Partners: Unlike human hospitals, CROW does not have emergency medical technicians to respond to emergency calls. That’s where professionals and trained volunteers come into play. They can bring animals and wildlife directly to CROW or drop them off at a veterinary partner.
• The CROW team: CROW’s professional team is highly trained and equipped to handle care and rehabilitation of wildlife with state-of-the-art medicine, specialized techniques and years of experience.
• Positive Outcomes: As a nonprofit organization, CROW provides care for over 5,000 native and migratory animals annually, operating 365 days a year. Our team takes tremendous pride knowing the majority of our funding goes directly to lifesaving programs. Resources are focused on rescue, rehabilitation and releasing animals back to the wild. CROW’s talented and dedicated staff work tirelessly to support all native and migratory wildlife in need, including eagles in our community.
Social media offers a great tool to communicate with the masses, but it also provides a forum for sharing misinformation and mistruths. CROW’s mission is to provide the absolute best care for all native and migratory wildlife, and our team is committed to providing facts and education, not speculation. Therefore, there are some additional points that we feel are in need of clarification.
Fact vs. Fiction: Clarifying information being shared on social media:
• Claim: An official cause of death has been announced on CROW’s social media prior to January 30th.
• Truth: Until today, CROW has not posted any official statement to the public regarding a cause of death and any posts from other sources prior to today did not come from our team.
• Claim: Necropsy results could take up to 4-6 months.
• Truth: While some ancillary testing can take longer than others, results are usually expected within a matter of days to weeks, not months. CROW received notification that the eaglets tested positive for Avian Influenza on January 29th.
• Claim: E25 should have been removed from the nest when retrieving E24.
• Truth: At the time of retrieval, CROW did not have authorization to remove E25. As the eaglet was not showing signs of distress and was observed being fed and cared for by the parents, it is not likely that a “special authorization” (as described by some members of the public) would be granted. There are inherent risks involved when interfering with wild nests that must be considered very carefully anytime an intervention is performed.
• Claim: The deaths of E24 and E25 are being positioned as part of a fundraising campaign to generate donations and/or government support.
• Truth: CROW is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that does not receive government funding for operating expenses. The organization’s $3.2 million operating budget is generously supported by our donors, private foundations and the visitor education center.
CROW has a long history and commitment to caring for eagles and eagles featured on the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam. Over the years, CROW has helped care for Ozzie, E8, E14, E17 and E18. We join the public in grieving the loss of E24 and E25. During this emotional time, we want to reassure everyone that our team at CROW is highly qualified, compassionate, caring and incredibly dedicated to the success of this world-famous eagle nest. We continue to monitor the eagles, and our staff has always acted in the best interests of the birds, just as we do for every animal we treat.
Spreading misinformation can be harmful to the professional efforts being made to protect these animals. Misinformation only detracts from the important work our team and other experts are doing. Anything outside of factual information only serves to confuse and mislead the public.
We genuinely appreciate the public’s support and will continue to share news with the public through our official channels through accurate timely updates.
Thank you for your understanding and unwavering support of our mission.
Watch 24/7 live video of an active pair of bald eagles in their SWFL Nest. The 2024-2025 season celebrates the 13th season for the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam.
