There’s Good News: Injured golden eagle rehabilitated, released thanks to Think Wild

Published August 17, 2026 4:12 pm

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A young golden eagle is back in the wild after more than six weeks of rehabilitation in Bend.

The eagle was rescued near Summer Lake in June after being found unable to fly, with severe damage to the feathers on its right wing.

Think Wild treated the bird, and replaced three damaged flight feathers with donor feathers in a procedure called 'imping'.

After regaining strong, controlled flight, the eagle was released near Summer Lake on August 11th.

Caretakers say it took off, perched briefly, stretched its wings, and then disappeared into the wild.

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Kelsey Merison is an Anchor and Multimedia Journalist with KTVZ News. Learn more about Kelsey here.

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