Meet Rocky Zoo’s newest wedge-tailed resident

Published on 04 April 2019

These school holidays, eagle-eyed visitors to Rockhampton Zoo can look forward to spotting a stunning new addition.

Valkyrie, a young wedge-tailed eagle, has been settling in to her new home and is ready to meet visitors.

Chair of Council’s Parks Committee Councillor Cherie Rutherford said that the new wedge-tailed eagle is absolutely astonishing.

“Valkyrie is a beautiful bird, and you can tell immediately how intelligent she is,” said Cr Rutherford.

“She was born wild, but unfortunately a few months ago she was hit by a car.

“The vets at the University of Queensland Gatton nursed her back to health, however her wing has been permanently injured and she’ll never be able to fly again.

“When Valkyrie has completely settled into her new life at Rocky Zoo, we’ll be joining her aviary to the two next to her to give her more room to jump and move around.

“It’s always a shame when our native animals are not able to be rehabilitated into the wild, however I’m so pleased and proud that the Rocky Zoo can provide a place for her to live happily.

“Valkyrie has already made an impression on her keepers, and I know that visitors to the Zoo will love her.

“Wedge-tailed eagles are the biggest bird of prey in Australia, and seeing one close up is an awe-inspiring experience.”

Rockhampton Zoo is owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council. It is open daily from 8am until 4.30pm and is free to visit.

Head over to the Rocky Zoo Facebook page to find out more.