Description
Adopt Leroy!
Leroy arrived at Grandfather Mountain in July 2025 and was estimated to be 4 or 5 years of age, based on the hints of brown plumage on his head, which is a trait of juvenile bald eagles. He was living in the wild in Oklahoma, when he was discovered stranded on the bank of a lake by some local fishermen. The fishermen reported the stranded eagle to Wild Heart Ranch Wildlife Rescue, whose staff were able to capture him in April 2025. They determined, alongside vets at the Tulsa Zoo, that Leroy had a broken wrist. This injury had not fully healed and resulted in permanent changes to his left carpus (wrist bone), preventing him from having the normal range of motion required for sustained flight. When birds are brought to rehabilitation centers, they are treated for their injuries and then observed to determine if they can survive on their own. If they are unable to catch prey adequately enough to maintain a healthy weight, they must remain in captivity as an ambassador for their species. Due to his inability to fly, he would be unable to successfully find and catch his food or protect himself from predators. He stayed at Wild Heart Ranch until he was able to find his forever home at Grandfather Mountain.
When he first arrived, he was a bit nervous about moving to an unknown place, but he adjusted to his new home very quickly! Despite his struggles with flying, he is still able to catch enough air under his wings for him to get onto low perches. His favorites are the tree stump perches and the caves in his habitat, and he can often be seen switching from one cave to another throughout the day. Leroy is still shy and slightly wary around people, but all that shyness melts away at mealtimes. Most days, he does not even wait for his keepers to leave the habitat before he swoops in to eat his dinner. Even though he is very brave at mealtimes, he still shares his opinions about us entering his space. He is an extremely chatty bird and is happy to give anyone walking by a piece of his mind. Leroy also seems to get along well with his roommate, Griffin. Though they do not interact much, they are often seen on perches near one another in the mornings, content in each other’s presence.
Adopt at any level and know your animal—and you—will be well cared for. Celebrating a birthday or special occasion? Adoptions make great gifts, too.
$25 Level
Includes:
– Certificate of adoption
– 5×7 photograph with description of adopted animal
– Grandfather Mountain eNewsletter subscription
$50 Level
Includes everything from the $25 level, plus:
– Animal Footprint Painting
– Photo upgrade: 8×10 photograph
$100 Level
Includes everything from the $50 level, plus:
– Plush of Adopted Animal
– 2 adult day passes to the park
$250 Level
Includes everything from the $100 level, plus:
– Pass upgrade: 6 adult day passes to the park instead of 2
$500 Level
Includes everything from the $250 level, plus:
– Behind-the-scenes group tour for 6 and a visit with your animal
$1,000 Level
Includes everything from the $500 level, plus:
– 2 Personalized videos of your adopted animal sent to you during the year
Benefit Level / Tax Deductible Amount
$25 / $20.96
$50 / $45.10
$100 / $30.68
$250 / $84.68
$500 / $124.68
$1,000 / $574.35
