A former Calgary zookeeper emotionally released the eagle into the wild

Peter Karsten couldn't contain his emotions as he held a rehabilitated eagle before releasing it into the wild on Vancouver Island this weekend.

A former Calgary Zoo employee has been honored with the release of a one-year-old bald eagle rescued near Nanaimo by Derek Downs, animal care supervisor at Errington's North Island Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (NIWRC).

The release celebration took place on Saturday afternoon at the NIWRC in front of a large crowd, some of whom captured the joyous moment with long-lens cameras, while others videotaped the release on their mobile phones.

Carsten Radius, who hails from nearby Denman Island and has worked at the Calgary Zoo for more than 30 years, was in tears as he tried to calm the eagle in his arms to show him the recovering bird of prey from his injuries. and ulna. After that, seeing the bird flying into the sky, he sent an eagle that spread its wings and soared over the shocked and excited crowd.

“It was a very emotional experience,” Karsten said.

“I have to say, I had to wipe the tears away because it's such an amazing achievement. This is a great story. Robin and Derek understood that I wanted to handle the eagle with my bare hands, not gloves, to get a feel for it.”

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Karsten said he had done eagles before, but this event was different and difficult to match.

“To have a dying eagle, take an eagle that is starving and can't live here and rehabilitate it so it can fly again,” Karsten said. “It's very special.”

The call to release the eagle inspired Karsten to create a piece of art, a seven-foot steel representation of the release of the eagle.

“This is a big moment in my life,” Carsten said. “I've been a zoo and zoo director for 30 years and it's still very special. I am very pleased.”

The event began with a First Nations drumming ceremony and crow singing led by artist Bill Helin.

NIWRC is busy and continues to take in injured eagles and other animals, including bears. They are a non-profit society that relies on fundraising, donations and sponsorships.

If you would like to help, visit niwra.org.