A bald eagle with amputated wing was stolen from Quogue Wildlife Refuge in New York on Tuesday, July 16.
The bald eagle named Sam has been living in the refuge for 31 years after a gunshot injured his wing and it had to be amputated.
“OUR BALD EAGLE WAS TAKEN AND IS MISSING! He will be stressed and cannot survive without our care,” the Quogue Wildlife Refuge wrote in a Facebook post.
“We want him back unharmed. It is a federally protected bird and cannot survive in the wild as he has an amputated wing,” the post read.
Sam is between 34 to 40 years old and is known by many people since he has been living in the sanctuary for three decades.
Assistant Director Marisa Nelson told reporter NJ Burkett that people who know Sam are saddened by his disappearance.
“They are heartbroken, it is horrible. this bird has been here for 30 years, so many people know him,” she said in an interview posted on the sanctuary’s Facebook page.
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge wrote on Facebook on Wednesday, July 17 that it is working with law enforcement and has no further updates about Sam.
“He’s a very strong bird. We don’t even handle him because it stresses him out,” Nelson told the broadcaster. “He likes his space and we are very sad and we are very concerned about this eagle,” she said.
People were shocked and in disbelief at the birds disappearance.
“That’s real sad all around. Bald Eagle has been around for a while, this affects a lot of people, and of course the staff at the refuge. Stressful for this bird who needs the proper care and attention, and of course stress on the staff. I hope for a safe return,” wrote one man.
On Wednesday, the sanctuary posted pictures of people leaving written messages at the enclosure where Sam stayed.
“We love you Sammy, hope to see you soon,” read one message written on a ribbon and tied to the bird’s enclosure.
One message appears to be written by a child. “Sammy, I wish you will cum (sic) back. It bracks (sic) my hort (sic) that your missins (sic). I will never like the person who stole you.”
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge has asked the public for help in locating Sam. Anyone with information is asked to call (631) 653-4771 or email [email protected].
“These animals have become educational ambassadors, teaching the public and school groups about native species and how people can help protect wildlife,” the website reads.
Sam was living in an outdoor wildlife complex that was built in 1976, that was later restored in 1995. Besides Sam, it also houses hawks, owls, foxes.
