Injured bald eagle returns to Cave City skies

crowd gathers to watch America's symbol of freedom fly again

CAVE CITY, Ky. – You may remember early this December when we brought you the story of a bald eagle found alone in a Cave City clearing scared, cold, and in need of help.

Now, almost one month later, News 40 reporter Meghann Stamps and half the town returned to watch the bird return to the wild.

This bald eagle has fought hard to heal. After a month of rest checkups and flight training, Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary said the time has come for its new beginning.

Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary Manager Chloe Miller said, “We expected some type of injuries. But as soon as we put him in that flight cage he was ready.”
People across Cave City gathered in this field to watch a miracle.”

Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary Founder Mary Anne Tobin added, “He was ready to go! I’ve been taking [injured eagles] back to their mates for 20 years… He’s probably with his mate by now.”

Among the group was Jeff Pedigo, the local who found the bird when it was at its weakest state, and now he and his granddaughter get to see the symbol of America rise again.

“It’s just amazing that people want to support the bird,” said Pedigo.

Miller said, “He got a second chance, and gets to start a new life like we get a start in a year, so it’s really cool.”

Seconds after the cage opened, the bald eagles shot out with a purpose, trailblazing into 2023 without a backward glance.