Along the fast-moving waters of Nova Scotia’s rivers, a group of bald eagles had just taken flight — all except one. For reasons unknown, the lone eagle lingered behind.
And in a matter of seconds, a sudden wave surged up and struck her, sweeping the majestic bird into the cold, churning river.
It could have been the end of her story — but help was closer than she could’ve imagined.
A group of river rafters from a local tour, led by river guide Emmett Blois, witnessed the scene unfold. Without hesitation, they turned their boat and raced toward the struggling eagle, watching helplessly at first as she flailed in the current, her strength fading fast.
“You could see she was getting tired,” Blois said in a video for The Dodo. “Her flapping was getting slower.”
Drawing closer, the team carefully maneuvered alongside the bird and pulled her aboard. As Blois cradled the eagle in his arms, he could feel her heart thundering beneath his hand.
“Her heart was just pounding,” he said. “I could feel every beat.”
For the next hour, Blois held the eagle gently against him as they returned to shore. She remained surprisingly calm in his arms, as if sensing she was finally safe.
“She was just beautiful,” Blois said, recalling her razor-sharp talons, powerful beak, and striking golden eyes. “Probably spent most of the trip just staring into her eyes — the most beautiful eyes you’ve ever seen.”
Once ashore, the rafters brought their unexpected passenger to Hope for Wildlife, a rehabilitation center dedicated to helping injured wild animals. There, veterinarians discovered the eagle had torn ligaments — but no broken bones. With some rest, care, and a steady supply of fresh fish, she began to recover.
“She didn’t waste any time scarfing down the fish,” Blois laughed.
After weeks of healing, the moment finally came — the eagle was ready to fly again. As Blois stood nearby, ready to release her back into the wild, he felt a deep sense of gratitude.
“When we let her go,” he said, “we’ll know she’s where she’s meant to be.”
Thanks to the quick thinking and compassion of a passing river guide and his crew, this incredible bird of prey got a second chance at freedom.
To help other wild animals in need, consider donating to Hope for Wildlife.
