Bald eagle released at Clay County school after rehabilitation

A bald eagle was released into the wild in front of hundreds of students on Monday after it was rehabilitated by a Jacksonville bird sanctuary.

B.E.A.K.S. founder Cynthia Mosling said the eagle, named Charles Bennett after a Clay County school, was brought to the sanctuary after a school volunteer saw it fall from the sky.

Mosling said the 7-year-old male bird had been shot.

After nearly a month at the sanctuary, Mosling brought the eagle to Charles E. Bennett Elementary.

She released it in front of hundreds of students as part of their Founders Week festivities.

Students cheered as the bird stepped out of its cage and took flight.

Mosling said the release was one of the most memorable she had ever done.

Cox Media Group