ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The World Bird Sanctuary has announced the death of Murphy, the bold bald eagle who gained fame on social media for his unusual parenting style. Murphy, known for his uncanny dedication to incubate a rock, was found deceased on March 15, 2025, following severe storms the night before.
The World Bird Sanctuary officials made the announcement on March 18, highlighting how Murphy had captivated the public's heart with his quirky behavior. At the age of 33, Murphy became somewhat of a celebrity after being observed trying to hatch what was actually just a rock, endearing himself to visitors and bird enthusiasts alike.
This unexpected fame grew from his social media stardom, drawing crowds to the sanctuary to witness the fascinating sight of him tending to his makeshift nest, which lacked any real eggs. Eventually, sanctuary staff noticed Murphy’s nurturing behavior and decided to pair him with injured eaglets needing care.
Murphy took on the role of surrogate dad, successfully raising two eaglets, fostering their growth and development. His evolution from rock-mother to eagle-father delighted thousands who witnessed his parenting style through live feeds and visits to the refuge. Roger Holloway, the executive director of the sanctuary, shared, "We all know here... that's a good time to try and see if they will make a suitable surrogate parent."
Unfortunately, Murphy's story took a tragic turn due to environmental conditions. On the morning when sanctuary workers discovered him lifeless, they performed a necropsy, which revealed head trauma as the cause of death. The stormy weather preceding his death raised the question of whether something had startled him, leading to the injury.
"The storms may have contributed to his passing," stated the sanctuary. They also clarified their safety protocols concerning environmental threats, noting the storm on March 14 did not warrant evacuations, as there were no tornadoes reported. Workers' routine checks after the storm led to the discovery of Murphy’s body.
Murphy’s enduring legacy will surely remain with the many fans who watched him nurture the eaglets, including one who is still under the sanctuary’s care. He leaves behind not only these introduced eaglets but also the rock he faithfully incubated, which brought him international fame.
His extraordinary story—a combination of nature, humor, and the bond between animals—stands out as one of inspiration at the World Bird Sanctuary. Visitors and eagle lovers will forever cherish the memories of watching him build his unique nest, later transformed by staff to accommodate real eaglets. His gentleness and unexpected transition to fatherhood spurred many to find joy and laughter amid life’s peculiarities.
The community surrounding Murphy has expressed sadness over his passing, sharing tributes across social media platforms. Folks who had followed Murphy’s quirky life remembered him fondly, with many noting how he took on the role of parenting and seamlessly transitioned from simply nurturing gravity-defying rocks to becoming a dad figure to vulnerable eaglets.
The story of Murphy serves as a compelling reminder of the beauty found within the wildlife of St. Louis County and the significant role organizations like the World Bird Sanctuary play. The sanctuary, which focuses on wildlife rehabilitation and education, continues its mission to care for injured and orphaned raptors. Murphy's impressive legacy exemplifies the impact even one animal can have on people’s lives, demonstrating the unique relationships between wildlife and humans.
Although Murphy’s physical presence is no longer at the sanctuary, his memory will undoubtedly ripple through the hearts of those he inspired. His unusual endeavor of trying to hatch a rock culminated in far more than just his brief fame; it became intertwined with two real eaglets' lives, creating bonds of admiration between wildlife and their watching audience.
With every nest made and eaglet raised, Murphy's remarkable tale of unexpected fatherhood gifts the world yet another unique story of connection, love, and challenge among species.
The World Bird Sanctuary vows to continue its program and carry forth the legacy of care and kindness exemplified by Murphy throughout his life.
