JD

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

In June of 2002, a young Golden Eagle was found in a drainage ditch in Weld County. This youngster had a rough start to life: she was found with a curvature of the spine (scoliosis) and degenerative joint disease in the right elbow. She was unable to fly when she was supposed to fledge the nest, and at her young age was deemed unable to survive in the wild. It was then her second chance at life began as an Educational Ambassador.

Although she would have perished in the wild, she has thrived as an Ambassador for her species at RMRP. Though she has never been able to fly, she grew strong (and very, very big) in the loving care of RMRP. This gorgeous female Golden Eagle has a charming attitude that brings a smile to everyone who meets her.

She may have not lived a life in the wild, but she brings the love of the wild to every human she meets. She was nicknamed “JD” after her disability (joint disease) for many years. When RMRP started to name our Educational Ambassadors, JD stuck and that became her official name.

Since she has lived almost her whole life in our care, she has become very comfortable working with our staff and volunteers. She even builds herself a nest and lays eggs every year in March! (They are not fertile and will never hatch, but we feel so blessed that she feels so comfortable and at home in our care.)