Eagle sanctuary looks to rebuild after storm

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

PERKINS, Okla. -- An eagle sanctuary in Perkins suffered wind damage during a severe storm that moved through the state.

The Iowa Tribe has a special permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife to house the non-releasable eagles.

The facility provides both rehabilitation for the animals and the opportunity for education.

"The main issue is to get the young kids, to not to shoot eagles," manager Victor Roubidoux said. "Unfortunately, three of our birds who came through here have been gunshot birds."

November's recent inclement weather caused some problems at the sanctuary.

"There was a rotation," aviary assistant Megan Trope said. "It had come down, touched the ground and it would go back up."

Trope ran to the front door to see if the storm was disintegrating.

"There was another rotation doing the same thing, and about that time the wind picked up," Trope said. "It jerked the door out of my hand, and the whole building started shaking and I fought the door shut."

The sanctuary roof shifted and the walls now lean after being hit by wind. A new facility now must be built while the damage is being repaired.

"For us to be able to take these injured birds in and take them back to the wild," Roubidoux said. "Hopefully, the creator will bless are people for doing this.

The construction plans will help preserve America's greatest symbol of freedom.