Murphy, the bald eagle, at the World Bird Sanctuary in Missouri. CNN
Murphy, a bald eagle loved by many for treating a rock like his own egg, has died after severe storms hit Missouri. The 33-year-old bird was found lifeless at the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park on March 15. A post-mortem revealed he suffered head trauma, though it’s unclear if he struck his head while jumping off a perch or if the storm’s strong winds played a role.
The sanctuary shared that while Murphy had endured many storms in his lifetime, this one may have contributed to his death. The same storm system brought deadly tornadoes and intense thunderstorms, leaving at least 42 people dead across several states from March 14 to 16.
Murphy, who couldn’t fly due to a permanent wing injury, lived in an aviary with three other birds. Fortunately, his feathered companions were not harmed, and the aviary itself remained undamaged. The sanctuary stated that the birds had access to shelters and no evacuations were necessary since there were no tornadoes in the area. However, the storm was still powerful. In March 2020, a similar storm killed around 1,000 birds in Missouri.
Murphy became an internet sensation in 2023 when photos of him carefully guarding and nurturing a rock, as if it were an egg, went viral. His dedication and fatherly instincts were so touching that the sanctuary gave him the chance to care for real eagle chicks. He became a surrogate dad to two orphaned eaglets, giving them a better chance of survival.
The sanctuary shared that one of Murphy’s foster eaglets is now making good progress toward being released into the wild. His care and devotion also helped the sanctuary staff learn more about raising orphaned eagles.
To honor Murphy’s memory, the sanctuary announced plans to name their eagle fostering aviary “Murphy’s Manor.” His impact as a foster dad, along with his heartwarming story, inspired millions around the world.
The sanctuary expressed their sadness over losing Murphy but celebrated his long life. While bald eagles typically live for 20 to 25 years, Murphy reached 33—a testament to his strength and resilience. His legacy will continue through the eaglets he helped raise and the lives he touched.
