Rescued Dagestan eagle may need wing amputation

On 9 October, ornithologist Khadzhaman Ismailov said a rescued eastern imperial eagle in Dagestan was out of danger but might need a broken wing amputated.

Residents of Makhachkala spotted the injured bird in early October. Dagestan's natural resources ministry confirmed that inspectors transferred it to specialists for treatment and rehabilitation. The eastern imperial eagle is listed in Russia's Red Data Book.

Ismailov said the bird is about two years old. It has a wing fracture and damage to the lower part of its beak. A veterinarian is to assess its joints and bones. The ornithologist explained that the eagle drags its wing, potentially worsening the injury. No decision on amputation has yet been made.

The eagle is eating and moving around, with no open wounds. The centre currently treats five injured protected birds of prey. Birds are usually released about a year after rehabilitation, following moulting and muscle recovery. Ismailov said this eagle would not return to the wild.