Bald Eagle ‘Freedom’ Thrives at Turtle Back Zoo After Dramatic Rescue

Freedom the Bald Eagle: A Symbol of Resilience at Turtle Back Zoo

Amidst the excitement surrounding the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, Turtle Back Zoo has found its own way to capture public attention. While Lady Edwina, the zoo’s groundhog, predicted the Philadelphia team’s triumph, another resident, Freedom the bald eagle, remains a key attraction.

Freedom’s story began with a dramatic rescue in Minnesota four years ago. Discovered entangled upside down in a tree, his life was saved by Army veteran Jason Galvin, who used his sharpshooter skills to free the eagle. Galvin’s efforts, which involved shooting through branches and ropes with a .22 caliber rifle, took 150 shots over a 90-minute period. Despite a 75-foot fall, Freedom survived, marking the beginning of his journey to Turtle Back Zoo.

The zoo provides a sanctuary for Freedom, who due to a permanently damaged talon, cannot be released back into the wild. “He’ll stay with us, because the way his foot was injured, he may not be able to catch his food,” explained Courtney Torregrosa, a zoo official. Now approximately eight years old, Freedom resides in a specially designed $1.2 million exhibit where he can still enjoy the freedom of flight.

Bald eagles, once endangered in New Jersey due to the adverse effects of DDT, have made a significant recovery. The state, which once had only a single nesting pair, now boasts a healthy population, particularly along the Delaware Bay. As a result, the bald eagle was removed from New Jersey’s endangered species list earlier this year.

The Turtle Back Zoo is an ideal place to witness this conservation success story firsthand. Located at 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, the zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visitors can see Freedom and learn more about the ongoing efforts to protect these majestic birds.

For more information on Turtle Back Zoo’s exhibits, visit their official website. Additional details and updates can be found on nj.com and through the Tribune Content Agency, LLC.