Injured wedge-tailed eagle released in honour of young wildlife volunteer

A WEDGE-tailed eagle rehabilitated after a debilitating injury has been released back into the wild and named after a young man who supported wildlife rehabilitation efforts in the region.

The eagle, named Tyler, honours the memory of Tyler Bolt, who died after being struck by a car as a pedestrian.

He was passionate about wildlife and volunteered with Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue, where he helped care for marine animals and seabirds, including birds of prey.

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital (BBWH) CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil said they promised to name a rescued eagle after speaking with Tyler’s mother Sarah.

“Seeing Tyler fly free reminded us so much of Tyler’s adventurous spirit,” Sarah said.

“It gave us hope about rising above adversity and knowing that something beautiful can still come from heartbreak.”

The wedge-tailed eagle was found near Pearces Creek by local farmers Peter and Elsabe Johnston.

 

It had a steel-jawed rabbit trap attached to its foot and took more than a month to rehabilitate

Veterinarians later performed x-rays under anaesthetic and discovered one of the eagle’s talons had been irreparably damaged.

The team made the decision to surgically amputate the toe to save the bird’s life.

Following surgery, the eagle was transferred to Byron Bay Raptor Centre, where it spent several weeks recovering in specialised circular flight aviaries designed to rebuild strength and stamina.

Sarah and her younger son Emmett were invited to visit the eagle during its recovery, while Tyler’s grandmother Cathy Graydon attended.

The family has launched the Tyler’s Wings fundraiser, aimed at helping cover the costs of treating sick and injured birds of prey and protecting native wildlife into the future.

Donations can be made at chuffed.org/project/tylers-wings