A Male Bald Eagle That Was Trying To Hatch A Rock Has Been Given A Chick To Raise

Many viewers have assumed that Murphy is lonely and needs a mate, but the sanctuary keepers insist he is choosing to do this on his own.

"Murphy is not lonely! He is housed with 4 other bald eagles - 2 males and 2 females," WBS said.

"He is not welcoming help with his nest, nor is he seeking it! He has not chosen a mate, so he very clearly wants to do this on his own. He does not want anything (real eggs) but his rock. Eventually he will get bored and abandon it, but we love watching him care for it now. No need to feel bad for him! He is perfectly content, and very spoiled!"


Last week, an eagle nest containing two chicks near Ste. Genevieve, Missouri was blown down by very high winds. One chick perished in the fall, but the other was found and rescued by a faithful nest watcher who brought the chick to World Bird Sanctuary's Wildlife Hospital.

The staff decided to give Murphy a chance at fostering a real baby. However, at 31 years old, Murphy had never raised a chick before. It was definitely a gamble, but also the chick's best chance at survival.

"BabyRock" was removed, and the chick was introduced to his enclosure.