Bald Eagle at National Zoo Killed

by Adam Daugs

A 21-year-old male bald eagle kept at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park (SNZP), which is located in Washington, DC, recently was killed by an animal believed to be a red fox.

SNZP spokesperson Julie Mason said the eagle was alive when discovered lying on the ground by a zookeeper, but died shortly afterward even though veterinarians did their best to treat the puncture wounds on his abdomen and back.

Investigating officials speculated that the bird was injured during a violent rainstorm two days before the incident took place, and thus unable to fly away from the animal that attacked him.

The animal is believed to be a red fox because red foxes are indigenous to the area and have been found on Park grounds in the past.

According to SNZP curator Bill Xanten, feral cats have occasionally broken into the bald eagle enclosure because they were attracted by the fish meal fed to the birds inside, but never harmed the feathered creatures.

The tragic incident is the latest in a series of deaths of animals kept at the Park. Among the other animals that died were:

* two zebras that starved to death in January 2000
* a bald eagle that was killed by the West Nile virus in 2002
* two red pandas that died in January after eating rat poison

In response to the deaths, Congress has requested a review of SNZP standards and procedures by the National Academy of Science, and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association has granted the Park only a one-year provisional accreditation.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.