A cherished bald eagle, known for incubating a rock in 2023, passed away on Saturday after succumbing to the effects of recent severe storms that swept through Missouri. Murphy, a 33-year-old avian who exceeded the average lifespan for his species, died at the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, Missouri. Sanctuary officials suspect that the intense storms, which caused significant damage and claimed 12 lives in the region, may have contributed to Murphy’s demise.
Despite the Sanctuary’s preparedness for various environmental conditions and the availability of shelters for the birds to seek refuge during storms, no evacuations were carried out as there were no tornadoes threatening the area. Three other birds sharing a shelter with Murphy managed to survive. A necropsy performed by a veterinarian revealed that Murphy had suffered head trauma. The exact cause of this injury remains uncertain, leaving it unclear whether Murphy was startled by something, leading to a fall from a perch, or if the harsh weather conditions played a role in the incident.
Murphy resided in the Avian Avenue exhibit area of the sanctuary and became well-known in 2023 for his unique behavior of incubating a rock. His nurturing instincts were evident when he successfully cared for an injured eaglet, nursing it back to health before it was released back into the wild. Subsequently, another eaglet was entrusted to Murphy’s care, with plans for its release into the wild scheduled for this summer. In honor of Murphy’s remarkable legacy, the sanctuary intends to name the future eagle fostering aviary “Murphy’s Manor,” ensuring his memory endures for generations to come.
