ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. (KTVI) — The World Bird Sanctuary announced the passing of Murphy, a 33-year-old bald eagle, who achieved viral stardom for his work as a foster dad, first incubating a rock, and then an eaglet.
The World Bird Sanctuary said they discovered Murphy on March 15, the day after widespread storms and tornadoes tore across Missouri. They said he endured some form of trauma to his head.
“We are unable to determine if Murphy was spooked by something and hit his head while jumping off a perch or if wind and precipitation played a part in the injury,” the World Bird Sanctuary said in the release. “While Murphy experienced countless storms throughout the years with us without issue, this storm may have contributed to his passing.”
The 33-year-old bald eagle leaves behind three aviary mates, who are all in good health.
The World Bird Sanctuary, located in Valley Park, said that all of its birds in its outdoor aviaries have access to shelters, shielding them from storms and other weather events.
“We do have contingency plans for different types of environmental situations, but this particular storm did not require any bird evacuations as no tornadoes approached WBS,” the World Bird Sanctuary stated. “While we do everything that we can to keep our birds safe, accidents outside of our control can happen.”
Murphy is remembered for his resilient spirit, as well as his protective nature as a foster dad, which was witnessed by millions worldwide.
In honor of his passing, The World Bird Sanctuary said it will continue Murphy’s legacy. The sanctuary will name the eventual eagle fostering aviary “Murphy’s Manor.”
“We could not have asked for a better ambassador and role model. We are incredibly grateful for the community that came together as a result of his heartwarming story,” the World Bird Sanctuary said.