Golden Eagle to Be Released After Recovery in Konya

A golden eagle found motionless in Konya’s Meram district and brought to the Selcuk University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital is currently receiving treatment. Clinical and radiological examinations revealed gunshot pellets in its head and a bone fracture. The eagle is expected to be released back into its natural habitat within ten days.

Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Alkan, Chief Physician at the Selcuk University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital, stated that under a protocol signed with the Konya Regional Directorate of Forestry for wildlife conservation, the hospital treats animals brought in by both citizens and relevant institutions.

On February 2, residents in Meram district found the golden eagle and brought it to the hospital, where clinical and radiological examinations revealed an old fracture in its right wing and a pellet lodged in its head. Prof. Dr. Alkan explained that the pellet was not located in a life-threatening area and did not affect vital functions. “After conducting flight trials, we plan to release the eagle once it can survive independently in the wild,” he added.

Once the eagle’s treatment and rehabilitation are complete, it will be handed over to the Regional Forestry Directorate teams and released into its natural environment.

Prof. Dr. Alkan also noted that golden eagles are traditionally used for wolf hunting in Central Asian countries such as Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, but they also have natural habitats in Turkey. He added, “Citizens who encounter such animals can bring them to our hospital for treatment free of charge.”