Bald eagle being treated at El Paso Zoo dies of suspected lead exposure

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The El Paso Zoo announced today that the bald eagles it was caring for died.

"Despite more than a week of intensive veterinary treatment for severe emaciation and suspected lead exposure (pending confirmation), his condition was too critical to overcome," the zoo posted to social media.

The eagle was rescued from the Gila wilderness last month when a good Samaritan reported that it needed help. The eagle appeared sick and lethargic. The Gila Wildlife Rescue transferred the bird to the El Paso Zoo for treatment.

The American Eagle Foundation says that over the past 25 years, lead toxicity has become an increasing concern for bald eagles.

"Even a small exposure to lead can cause devastating illness in eagles," the foundation stated.

ORIGINAL STORY (December 31, 2025): The El Paso Zoo's veterinary team is caring for a bald eagle that was found suffering from anemia and fatigue in the Gila wilderness.

A good Samaritan had called into the Gila Wildlife Rescue in Silver City to report the lethargic eagle. The eagle was then sent to the El Paso zoo for treatment.

The team is waiting on lab results to find out if the eagle is suffering from an infection or toxic lead levels. Until then, the veterinary team is taking extra precautions to prevent the spread of potential diseases, such as the Avian Flu.

The eagle underwent a scan and the veterinary team found no broken bones. It's care plan includes the gradual and balanced introduction of nourishment into its diet.

"Sometimes eating too much, too soon, can cause a metabolic chaos in emaciated animals (and people), making their condition rapidly worsen," an El Paso Zoo spokesperson explained.

The zoo says that this year, its Raptor Rehabilitation Program has cared for 122 sick, injured, or orphaned wild birds of prey.