Amputated bald eagle nursed back to health at the Detroit Zoo

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WJBK) - The American bald eagle has been a symbol of the United States since 1782. That's why it's important for sanctuaries like the Detroit Zoo to do all they can to take care of injured eagles. 

Mr. America came to the zoo just before Thanksgiving. One of his wings was severely damaged, presumably after he flew into a power line. It had to be amputated.

He now is with another rescued male bald eagle, Flash, in their American Grasslands habitat overlooking Pierson Lake. 

"They're really exploring a new environment," says Ron Kagan. "For Mr. America, this is totally new, physically and socially. Flash, this has been his bachelor pad for a while and he's had to adjust to having a new eagle here."

The zoo is currently caring for more than 100 rescued animals, including many taken in from Bat Zone in Pontiac that just closed recently. 

Bald eagles were taken off the endangered species list back in 2007. More than 800 pairs are nesting in Michigan alone.