Golden eagle rehabilitated at WSU, returns to the skies
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DEARY, Idaho – An injured golden eagle, was
successfully returned to the wild on March 22 near Deary, Idaho.
The bird was discovered unable to fly near Okanogan, Wash., several
months ago and was referred to the raptor rehabilitation team at
Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Wing
fractures of unknown origin prevented the bird from flying and have
since healed successfully. Before it was sent to WSU, it was thought
that the bird, although healed, may not fly again. Thanks to several
months of care, and retraining, the eagle has made a full recovery. |
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Before the release, the Potlatch Corporation donated $25,000 to the
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s
Raptor Rehabilitation Fund.
The cash gift is earmarked specifically for construction of an eagle
flight training enclosure; a structure WSU has needed but never had.
“This gift is a Godsend,” said Erik Stauber, veterinarian and head of
the college’s Raptor Rehabilitation program for more than two decades.
“For many years, this college has worked hard to care for raptors and
whenever possible return them to the wild. Medical care for these birds
is a vital component of a complete professional veterinary education,
our ethics, and our sense of compassion. It is remarkable that a major
corporation like Potlatch wisely understands the value of these birds
and shares our concern for their well-being and the well-being of the
environment we share. We are very thankful to Potlatch for this
extraordinary gift.”
"Potlatch has had a long and mutually beneficially relationship with
WSU's veterinary college and specifically the raptor center," said Brent
Stinnett, Potlatch's resource vice president. "We are pleased to
continue to support the university in this important effort to do our
part in helping ensure the survival of raptors on both public and
private lands."
"Potlatch's 660,000 acres of Idaho forestlands are home to many species
of raptors, so it makes good sense for Potlatch to share data and
knowledge about raptors with WSU," said Potlatch's wildlife biologist
Brian Moser. "We conduct ongoing cooperative research projects with the
college that not only help the scientific community, but directly
benefit the birds themselves."
“Corporate entities like Potlatch Corporation take stewardship of their
lands and associated wildlife very seriously,” said Warwick Bayly, dean
of WSU’s veterinary college. “If we can be of service to that effort and
responsibility, I believe it sets a moral benchmark for our students.”
Dr. Stauber believes the long term chances for success are “very good.”
About Potlatch Corporation:
Potlatch is a real estate investment trust (REIT) with approximately 1.5
million acres of forestland in Arkansas, Idaho, Minnesota, Wisconsin and
Oregon. Through its taxable REIT subsidiary, the company also operates
13 manufacturing facilities that produce lumber and panel products and
bleached pulp products, including paperboard and tissue. The company
also conducts a land sales and development business through its taxable
REIT subsidiary. Potlatch, a verified forest practices leader, is
committed to providing superior returns to stockholders through
long-term stewardship of its resources.
Darin Watkins
Public Information Officer
College of Veterinary Medicine
Washington State University
(509) 335-4456
Last Edited: Mar 30, 2007 4:42 PM
