C52 has been Patoka Lake’s resident bald eagle since 1989,
and has his own Web site at www.dnr.IN.gov/c52
C52 has been Patoka Lake’s resident bald eagle since 1989,
and has his own Web site at www.dnr.IN.gov/c52
In January 1989, bald eagle C52 arrived at Patoka Reservoir. A genetic wing abnormality prevented his release as a part of Indiana’s bald eagle restoration program. Since then, he’s been a living interpretive tool, allowing DNR staff to tell our bald eagle restoration story to more than 50,000 people around the state.
In October the bird injured his left foot. C52 required tests, medications, surgery and a 9-day recovery at the office of Dr. Sam Vaughn, a Louisville veterinarian who specializes in raptor care. For several days, the bird’s condition was critical.
C52 now is well on its way to recovery and is back home at Patoka Lake’s visitor center. However, even with considerable discounts from Dr. Vaughn and Veterinary Associates Stonefield, the eagle’s medical costs have reached several thousand dollars. He also requires continuing care. Even after the bird is fully recovered, regular checkups will be needed.
To help pay the costs of its medical care, the DNR has established a fund through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation to help provide long-term care for C52 and other permanently injured birds of prey used in interpretive programming at Patoka Lake. And we need your help.
If you are interested in contributing, check out the care of C52 Web site at www.dnr.IN.gov/c52 or contact Ginger Murphy at gmurphy@dnr.in.gov or send your contribution to Patoka Lake Raptor Care, 3084 North Dillard Road, Birdseye, IN 47513.
