WAYNESBORO – One of the eaglets moved from Norfolk Botanical Garden following the death of their mother will begin treatment to remove lead from his body.
Routine testing showed elevated levels in NV’s blood and so veterinarians at The Wildlife Center of Virginia started tracking the levels.
On Friday, samples sent to an outside lab revealed levels higher than the reading on the center’s testing machine.
Because NV’s lead levels persist, the veterinary team has decided to start a short round of chelation therapy. While the lead levels detected in NV are actually below the levels at which the veterinarians would normally start treatment, the therapy will help his body eliminate the lead. This will ensure that he's getting the best chance to develop and thrive normally, center officials said.
The eaglets were moved following the April 26 death of their mother, which was struck and killed by an airplane landing at Norfolk International Airport.
You can see the eaglets at The Wildlife Center of Virginia on the WVEC.com Eaglecam.