LONG ISLAND, NY – Long Island officials are currently extending an offer of $15,000 for the return of “Sam”, an older bald eagle, that was plucked from his enclosure at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.
Nassau and Suffolk SPCAs have recently been posting various messages on social media outlets, urging who’s ever stolen the bird to bring it back to his protected home in the Hamptons.
“if you have Sam, our Bald Eagle, please drop him off on the front step or with the closest veterinarian,” said officials on Quogue refuge’s Facebook page.
As of now, the public calls for help have produced a wave of support. In spite of all the vigilance and willingness to help, Sam has not been returned as of yet.
“We are touched by the concern and offerings of support,” officials stated on Friday. “There are many organizations working hard on this case. Currently, the Nassau and Suffolk SPCA, and Suffolk County Crime Stoppers are offering rewards totaling $15,000 for the safe return of our eagle.”
Sam’s theft was initially reported last week. Officials swiftly sent out a press release and multiple FB posts declaring that Sam’s thief was wanted for grand larceny.
The initial press releasee read as “OUR BALD EAGLE WAS TAKEN AND IS MISSING! He will be stressed and cannot survive without our care. We want him back unharmed. It is a federally protected bird and cannot survive in the wild as he has an amputated wing.”
What officials know about the theft is that “an unknown person entered the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, located at 3 Old Century Road, between 2:15 a.m. and 4:15, on July 16 and cut the fencing.”
The bald eagle is unable to fly because he possesses a partially amputated wing and likely isn’t receiving the proper care he needs.
