A beloved bald eagle named Murphy, known for incubating a rock in 2023, has died at the age of 33 following severe storms in Missouri. The World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park reported his passing last week, suggesting that the recent violent weather may have contributed to his death.
- Beloved bald eagle Murphy has died.
- Murphy lived 33 years, exceeding average lifespan.
- Storms may have contributed to his death.
- Necropsy revealed head trauma as cause.
- Murphy gained fame for incubating a rock.
- Sanctuary plans to honor him with aviary name.
Murphy lived beyond the average lifespan of 25 years for bald eagles. A necropsy revealed he suffered head trauma, although it remains unclear whether this was due to being startled or environmental factors during the storm.
Murphy was well-known at the World Bird Sanctuary for his unique behavior of incubating a rock, which captivated many visitors in 2023. His story took a positive turn when he was allowed to care for an injured eaglet that he successfully nurtured back to health before its release into the wild. A second eaglet is currently under his care and is expected to be released this summer.
The sanctuary indicated that while birds have access to shelters during storms, they did not evacuate as no tornadoes were reported near their location. Other birds housed with Murphy survived the storm without injury.
- Murphy exceeded the average bald eagle lifespan by eight years.
- The recent storms resulted in extensive damage across Missouri and claimed twelve lives.
- A veterinarian performed a necropsy but could not definitively determine the cause of Murphy’s head trauma.
In response to Murphy’s legacy, officials announced plans to name an upcoming eagle fostering aviary “Murphy’s Manor.” This tribute aims to honor his impact on both visitors and fellow wildlife at the sanctuary for many years ahead.
The passing of Murphy marks a significant loss for both the sanctuary and its visitors who followed his journey over the years. His contributions as a foster parent highlight important aspects of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts within avian communities.
