VALLEY PARK, Missouri – The passing of a beloved bald eagle named Murphy has left many in mourning at the World Bird Sanctuary in Missouri. Murphy, who lived to be 33 years old, surpassed the average life expectancy for bald eagles. Unfortunately, the avian passed away following a series of intense storms that swept through the area.
Sanctuary officials suspect that the recent violent storms, which caused extensive damage and claimed lives, may have played a role in Murphy’s death. Although the sanctuary has shelters and contingency plans in place for such situations, no evacuations were necessary as no tornadoes approached the area. Three other birds who shared a shelter with Murphy were unharmed.
Upon conducting a necropsy, a veterinarian discovered that Murphy had sustained head trauma. The exact cause of this trauma remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from being startled and hitting his head while jumping off a perch to being affected by the strong winds and heavy precipitation during the storm.
Murphy had gained notoriety in 2023 when he garnered attention for incubating a rock. His nurturing instincts were on full display when he was given the opportunity to care for an injured eaglet, nursing it back to health before releasing it back into the wild. Another eaglet had also been entrusted to Murphy’s care and is set to be released sometime this summer.
To honor Murphy’s legacy, sanctuary officials have announced plans to name the eagle fostering aviary as Murphy’s Manor. This gesture ensures that Murphy’s memory will live on for years to come, preserving his impact on those who had the privilege of knowing him.