It was with heavy hearts Monday that staff at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo announced the passing of the zoo’s beloved bald eagle, Mrs. B. 

About two weeks, ago staff noticed she was not behaving herself, so she was moved inside, and diagnostic testing was run, a statement from the zoo noted. Results showed some of her blood levels were elevated which could indicate infection, or something more serious, like cancer. 

According to the statement, staff treated her through the weekend and tried to keep her eating, but her health continued to decline, so we made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her Monday morning. 

“Visitors and any staff who’ve cared for her, can take solace in knowing that she was provided an extremely long and enriched life, as she’s one of the oldest, if not the oldest bald eagle. She lived here at the zoo for 44 years and it is believed she was an adult when she arrived, which would likely make her at least 49 years old,” the statement reads. 

Mrs. B came to the zoo through the Raptor Rehabilitation Program in 1979. She had an injury to her left foot that made it difficult for her to be able to hunt properly, so she was given a permanent home here at the zoo. 

“She has educated thousands in our community and visitors who’ve come from across the world about bald eagles. Those who’ve worked with her loved her spunky personality and she always had a greeting for you when you came down the sidewalk,” the statement continued.

Unfortunately, due to federal regulations, they are unable to submit her for necropsy, so they won’t have definitive answers as to her decline. Per federal regulations, she will be submitted to the National Eagle Repository. 

The repository’s “main purpose is to receive, evaluate, store and distribute dead golden and bald eagles, parts and feathers to Native Americans and Alaska natives who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes throughout the United States. Also, it is to develop and provide educational programs regarding wildlife trade, wildlife laws, raptors and the Native American eagle feather program.”  

“Mrs. B will be greatly missed in our community, and we encourage all to share any photos or memories you may have with zoo staff on the Zoo’s Facebook page ‘Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo,’” the statement concludes.

For questions or concerns, contact the Great Bend Park Department at 620-793-4111.