Golden eagle Aquila, rescued after a car crash 40 years ago, passes after decades as Sunriver Nature Center icon

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) -- In a heartfelt tribute, the Sunriver Nature Center acknowledged on Wednesday the recent passing of their golden eagle, Aquila, an icon who survived a harrowing car crash and has inspired generations for four long decades.

"Aquila's lasting impact lies in the countless hearts she touched, instilling a deep appreciation for our natural world," the nature center said in announcing her recent passing. "Her legacy will continue to guide us, reminding us of the importance of understanding and cherishing nature. May her memory live on, inspiring future generations just as profoundly."

Aquila's Story

Forty years ago, a young Golden Eagle descended onto a deer carcass. This was not unusual for the large predator. Eagles are some of the few animals capable of breaking into the tough hide of a wild ungulate.

In this instance, the bird was feeding close to a road. Her wings, perfectly constructed for soaring, diving, and pursuing the tail of a rabbit through sagebrush shadows, were not equipped to break away from the wind vortex generated by a 40-ton truck moving at 60 miles per hour.

When she attempted to fly away from the perceived threat, she instead tumbled onto the road and was struck by a vehicle.

This scenario plays out millions of times each year for birds, especially for eagles, owls, and vultures who may be lured by roadkill. It is estimated that up to 340 million birds die annually from car strikes.  

After the accident, the eagle was transported to Sunriver Nature Center, the local wildlife rehabilitation center, where her injuries were treated.

Despite intervention, the trauma she had sustained left her with only a fraction of her superior eyesight. She would no longer be able to soar through the open skies searching for food or care for the young she might hatch. 

Instead, local conservation organizations accepted the responsibility to care for her, providing her with safe shelter and food, and allowing her to continue her life.

In the following four decades, this eagle provided hundreds and thousands of people the opportunity to observe the apex sky-dwelling predator up close, create a connection with her, and learn some of the amazing things that make them such an awe-inspiring species.  

Aquila lived well past the life span she would have achieved outside of human care. Each year, we counted ourselves lucky she was still with us. Unfortunately, age for any biological being follows the same eventual degradation process. In January, Aquila’s health suddenly began to decline significantly.

Although a thorough physical exam was performed, no direct cause could be determined. Our wildlife team consulted with the staff at Sunriver Veterinary Clinic and other wildlife veterinarians, monitored her closely, and worked to ensure she was comfortable.

Aquila left us on January 26, 2024, passing peacefully. Due to the sacred nature of Golden Eagles to indigenous people, her remains will be sent to the National Eagle Repository, who oversee the Native American eagle feather program.

Learn more at: https://snco.org/support/donate-aquila-fund/.