Peter Karsten couldn91裸聊视频檛 help being emotional when he cradled a rehabilitated eagle in his arms before releasing it back to the wild on Vancouver Island this weekend.
The former Calgary zookeeper was given the honour of freeing a one-year-old bald eagle that was rescued from near Nanaimo by Derek Downes, animal care supervisor at Errington91裸聊视频檚 North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRC), and nursed back to health.
The release celebration was held on Saturday afternoon at the NIWRC in front of a huge crowd, with some capturing the joyful moment with long-lens cameras while others videoing the release using their cellphones.
Karsten, who is from nearby Denman Island and worked at the Calgary Zoo for more than 30 years, was tearful when he tried to calm down the eagle in his arms while walking around to show off the healed bird of prey, who suffered from injured radius and ulna. Following that, he let go of the eagle, which spread its wings and soared above the crowd, who were awed and excited to see the bird fly off to the skies.
91裸聊视频淚t was a very emotional experience,91裸聊视频� said Karsten.
91裸聊视频淚 must say, I had to wipe some tears off my eyes because it91裸聊视频檚 such an incredible accomplishment. It91裸聊视频檚 such a wonderful event. Robin and Derek were of great understanding that I wanted to hold the eagle with my bare hands and not in gloves so you can feel the eagle.91裸聊视频�
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Karsten said he has handled eagles in the past but this occasion was different and difficult to match.
91裸聊视频淭o have an eagle that is destined to die, starve to death and unable to survive being taken here and rehabilitated to fly off again,91裸聊视频� said Karsten. 91裸聊视频淭hat is so extraordinary.91裸聊视频�
The invitation to release the eagle has inspired Karsten to create a piece of art, a seven-foot steel depiction of an eagle release.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 just a highlight in my life,91裸聊视频� said Karsten. 91裸聊视频淚 was a zookeeper and zoo director for 30 years and it91裸聊视频檚 still very, very special. I am so very grateful.91裸聊视频�
The event kicked off with a First Nations drum beating ritual and a raven song led by artist Bill Helin.
The NIWRC has been busy and continues to receive injured eagles and other animals, including bears. They are a non-profit society that relies on fundraising, donations and sponsorships.
If you wish to help, visit
