CROW asking for fish donations to help with Ozzie’s recovery

SANIBEL, Fla.- WINK News has new updates on Ozzie, Southwest Florida’s famous bald eagle.

Ozzie was found injured back in March near some railroad tracks in Fort Myers.

Surrounded by caring staff at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), Ozzie is on his way to a full recovery.

“So far he’s doing great,” said Dr. Heather Barron.

Ozzie is recovering from two broken bones in his upper body.

“Yesterday was a big day for him because he actually had his wing wrap taken off, so now that wing is actually free and he’s been moved into a cage that will actually restrict his movement,” said Barron.

He’s on a wide variety of medications to keep his pain and stress levels down. The medications are mixed in with his food, which can cause problems.

“He knows those meds are in his food so he occasionally gets a little picky about whether or not he wants to eat, it’s kinda like dealing with a child,” said Barron. “We’ve been feeding him quail, chicks, rats, rabbits, but fish are by far his favorite food, especially fresh fish.”

In order to help him eat and maintain a healthy weight, CROW is now asking local restaurants and fishermen to donate fish heads, especially salmon, to help with his recovery.

“Anybody who has any fresh fish that they want to donate, that would be great,” said Barron.

If all goes well, and Ozzie keeps on eating, doctors expect they’ll be able to release him in a few weeks.

If you’d like to donate fish heads to help Ozzie, you can contact CROW at 239-472-3644.