A conscientous Jordanian citizen appeared at the Israeli border last week with an injured eagle, hoping veterinarians in the Jewish State could save its life. His hopes were fulfilled.



The man had accidentally struck the Lesser Spotted Eagle with his truck. The eagle was initially taken to the International Birding and Research Center in Eilat, but then was transferred to the wild-animal hospital at the Safari Park in Ramat Gan.



The hospital, which opened in 2005, is operated as a collaboration between the Safari Park and the National Parks and Nature Protection Authority.



An X-ray showed that the eagle had suffered complex leg fractures, but also had been shot at some point in its life prior to being struck by the truck. He was very weak and thin, according to veterinarian Dr. Yigal Horowitz, and unable to stand.



After triage, emergency treatment was provided, including warming by incubation and intravenous fluids. Later the bird was deemed strong enough for doctors to perform surgery to repair his wounded leg bones with wire and screws. Therapists at the hospital test the eagle's progress daily, and the rate of healing and bone growth is being monitored through X-rays.



It is hoped that the eagle will recover in time to return to the wild and fly during the current migration season.