ATLANTA — Zoo Atlanta is mourning the death of Sequoyah the Bald Eagle after nine years at the zoo, according to a press release from Zoo Atlanta. They say Sequoyah died on Wednesday.
“Sequoyah was a magnificent individual who introduced countless Zoo Members and guests to the majesty of a national symbol, and he represented a conservation story for one of North America’s most treasured native species," Vice President of Collections and Conservation Gina Ferrie said in a statement.
Sequoyah came to Zoo Atlanta after suffering a wing injury in the wild. While hatched in the wild, Sequoyah's injuries — which they say were likely the result of a collision with a powerline — meant they couldn't make it in the wild.
After undergoing rehabilitation, they say Sequoyah arrived at Zoo Atlanta in June 2015 in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Under federal law, any Bald Eagle that can be released into the wild must be released into the wild. Because that wasn't possible with Sequoyah's injuries, Zoo Atlanta says they were honored to provide a home for Sequoyah.
“As he was a bird who was not going to be able to survive in the wild, we are honored to have been able to provide him with the best possible home and care over the past nine years,” Ferrie said.
According to the Zoo, Sequoyah's original wing had healed but had begun experiencing discomfort in their wing.
After Sequoyah's condition continued to deteriorate, they say the veterinary team "made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Sequoyah" on Wednesday.
