Ojai Raptor Center Releases Rehabilitated Golden Eagle
A golden eagle hit by a suspected vehicle along Highway 58 in Kern County was cleared for release after 72 days of care.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Bird Watching
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The Ojai Raptor Center released a golden eagle back into the wild in California after 72 days of treatment and rehabilitation. The eagle, identified as Patient 26-578, was found injured along Highway 58 near Hart Flat in Kern County and passed the center's final assessments before release.
Why it matters
The eagle's recovery shows how rehabilitation centers can return injured raptors to the wild after serious trauma. The case also highlights the injuries that vehicle collisions can cause to wildlife along California roadways.
The eagle completed 72 days of treatment and rehabilitation, and was moved into a 233-foot Freedom Flight enclosure on Oct. 6 to build strength. Trail cameras were used to confirm it could hunt live prey before it was cleared for release.
The players
Ojai Raptor Center
A wildlife rehabilitation facility in Ojai, California, that treats injured birds of prey and returns them to the wild.
Tejon Ranch Conservancy
A conservation organization associated with Tejon Ranch in Kern County that shared video of the eagle's release.
Tehachapi Volunteer Wildlife Transport
A volunteer group that partnered in transporting and supporting the eagle during its recovery.
The details
A Good Samaritan found the injured golden eagle along Highway 58 near Hart Flat and took it to the Ojai Raptor Center in August. Staff found head, eye, and internal injuries consistent with a suspected vehicle collision, and the bird was cleared after passing the center's final assessments.
Timeline
July 18: Jackie the bald eagle was found grounded at Big Bear Lake.
August: The golden eagle, Patient 26-578, was transported to the Ojai Raptor Center.
Oct. 6: The eagle was moved into the 233-foot Freedom Flight enclosure.
Saturday: The Tejon Ranch Conservancy shared video of the release on social media.
Seasonal Patterns
Vehicle strikes on raptors along Highway 58 are a recurring hazard for birds that hunt open roadside habitat in Kern County. The eagle's case follows the rehabilitation-to-release pathway that Ojai Raptor Center uses for large raptors injured in collisions.
Drivers on Highway 58 and other California roads where raptors hunt can reduce collision risk by slowing down in open roadside areas. Residents who find an injured bird can contact a licensed rehabilitation center rather than attempting care themselves.
The takeaway
Injured wildlife can often recover when it reaches a licensed rehabilitation facility quickly. Prompt reporting of injured birds helps give them the best chance at release.
Further reading
Explore more on Bird Watching to see how raptor rehabilitation and release fit into wider birding interest.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTLA 5.
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