A star’s biography. Maxine was admitted to the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center in 1999 with lead toxicity and an injured wing. The medical team treated the toxicity, but because of the damage to her left elbow, she couldn’t be released tback to the wild. Instead she was trained to be an “education ambassador” for 24 years and participated in 6,000 programs. Her visits included legislative hearing, scientific meetings, and national appearances. Image: Patrick O’Leary
Arthritis had been progressing 20-some years
St. PAUL Minn. – The bald eagle Maxine, whose life was mostly at the Raptor Center, has been euthanized with the end-stage arthritis that plagued her since 1999. Her keepers met last week and agreed tearfully that her pain medicines were no longer effective. Compression was hurting her spine, left knee, many points on both wings and legs. They cushioned their loss sharing stories about Maxine as a show off and loving it.
In her glory. As crowds cheered at the old Huntington football stadium at the University of Minnesota.
Bald eagle profile
The average lifespan of bald eagles in the wild is 20 years. The oldest confirmed age in the wild was 38 years of age. In captivity, they can live longer. One captive eagle lived almost 50. Among North America birds, only California condors are larger. Male bald eagles average 12 pounds, females 9 pounds. Wingspan is 6 to 7-1/2 feet. Although once nearly extinct, they have become protected under law as the U.S. national bird, and their population is growing.