ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – The World Bird Sanctuary announced the passing of Murphy, a beloved 33-year-old Bald Eagle, renowned for his dedication and resilient spirit as a foster dad. The tragedy unfolded on March 15, the day following severe storms and tornadoes that swept through Missouri. On that morning, sanctuary staff discovered Murphy showing signs of head trauma.
Even though Murphy had weathered many storms during his life at the sanctuary, this particular one seemed to contribute to his tragic end. The World Bird Sanctuary indicated that while they could not determine the exact cause of the injury, it could have occurred when he was startled and hit his head while jumping off a perch, or it might have been related to the impact of wind and heavy precipitation. "While Murphy experienced countless storms throughout the years with us, this storm may have contributed to his passing," the sanctuary explained in a somber release.
Murphy leaves behind three healthy aviary mates, who fortunately escaped harm. The sanctuary further emphasized that the birds in their outdoor aviaries have access to safe shelters designed to protect them from harsh weather conditions. "We do have contingency plans for different types of environmental situations, but this particular storm did not require any bird evacuations as no tornadoes approached WBS," they stated. The sanctuary reiterated that it takes utmost care for the birds, but unfortunate accidents can still happen.
Murphy will be remembered not only for his spirited nature but also for his remarkable gesture as a nurturing figure. His affectionate actions were witnessed by millions as he adopted and safeguarded a baby eaglet dubbed the "RockBaby" in 2023. This bond established with rocky exemplified his readiness to care for a young eagle, leading him to foster another eaglet named "Rocky" later that year. After being nurtured by Murphy, Rocky has since been released into the wild, a testament to Murphy’s significant role in his recovery.
In the wake of Murphy’s passing, the World Bird Sanctuary has vowed to continue his legacy. Plans are in motion to name their future eagle-fostering aviary “Murphy’s Manor,” a tribute to the notable and lasting impact he made. “We could not have asked for a better ambassador and role model. We are incredibly grateful for the community that came together as a result of his heartwarming story. We are devastated by this loss and know that the community mourns with us,” the WBS staff expressed.
In an effort to honor Murphy and his contributions, the World Bird Sanctuary announced to its loyal supporters that they have devised special aviaries based on their observations and learnings from Murphy’s dedication to fostering eaglets. This will include aviaries specifically designed to meet the care and space requirements of orphaned and injured raptors, ensuring they receive the utmost attention and support.
Tragically, Murphy’s death highlights the vulnerabilities that wildlife face during extreme weather events, making his legacy more poignant. His life surpassed the average lifespan of Bald Eagles, which is typically between 20 to 25 years. To many, Murphy's story stands as a symbol of resilience and compassionate care within the animal kingdom.
The sanctuary remains committed to its mission of providing care for eagles like Murphy and the numerous other raptors in their facilities. As they prepare for the rebuilding of their eagle fostering aviary, the World Bird Sanctuary encourages the community to honor Murphy’s spirit by supporting their mission. The sanctuary has indicated that while Murphy may have left this world, his spirit will continue to inspire and touch the lives of many.
