Sanctuary confirms beloved eagle’s passing following severe weather

Murphy, the bald eagle who captured global attention for caring for a rock as if it were his own egg, has died at the age of 33 after violent storms swept through Missouri.

The World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, Missouri, announced that caregivers found Murphy unresponsive on the morning of March 15. A post-mortem examination revealed he suffered head trauma.

“We cannot determine whether Murphy was startled and injured himself while jumping from a perch or if the storm’s wind and rain played a role in his passing,” the sanctuary said in a statement. “Although he had weathered many storms over the years, this particular one may have contributed to his injury.”

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The storm system that hit Missouri between March 14 and 16 was part of a larger outbreak of severe weather that caused dust storms, thunderstorms, and tornadoes, leaving at least 42 people dead across multiple states.

A legacy of care and resilience

Murphy, who had a permanent wing injury that prevented him from flying, shared his aviary with three other birds, all of whom were unharmed. The aviary itself sustained no damage, and since there were no tornadoes in the immediate area, no evacuations were necessary.

Storms can be deadly for animals without proper shelter. In March 2020, an estimated 1,000 birds perished in Missouri due to severe weather conditions.

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Murphy rose to fame in 2023 when images of him diligently nurturing a rock at the sanctuary went viral. His strong paternal instincts led caregivers to introduce him to orphaned bald eagle chicks, and he successfully became a foster father to two eaglets.

Honoring Murphy’s impact

Murphy’s influence continues beyond his own life. His second foster eaglet is progressing well toward release, and his care has helped sanctuary staff better understand the needs of orphaned raptors.

To honor his legacy, the sanctuary is naming its eagle-fostering aviary “Murphy’s Manor.”

“As we grieve this loss, we are grateful that Murphy lived 33 years—far beyond the typical 20-25-year lifespan of a bald eagle,” the sanctuary stated. “His resilience, spirit, and dedication as a foster father touched millions worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on those who had the privilege to work with him.”

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