VILNIUS -- Veterinarians at a Kaunas clinic have performed the first feather transplant on a sea eagle.
The daily newspaper Lietuvos Rytas said the bird was set free after two hours in surgery.
"After a second of doubt, the bird took off and flew away with powerful strokes of its wings. We observed the flight for about 500 meters until he disappeared behind the forests," said young veterinarian Julius Morkunas, who performed the surgery together with ornithologist Saulius Rumbutis.
In late October, the exhausted bird was with damaged wings was discovered on the bank of the Nemunas close to the Kaunas hydro-electric power plant. It is believed to have received its injuries after hitting electric wires.
During the operation, special water-resistant glue was used to fasten donor feathers to guarantee long-lasting performance of the reconstructed wing.
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