Shepherd in Gush Etzion Rescues Exhausted Eastern Imperial Eagle During Winter

Shlomo Baruch Yard, a shepherd from Givat Ma'aleh Tidhar in Gush Etzion, discovered an Eastern Imperial Eagle in a state of exhaustion while tending his flock on Monday. The bird, a protected raptor species passing through Israel, was found near a cliff unable to move. Yard provided water to the bird, documented it with photos, and alerted the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. An authority ranger arrived, collected the eagle, and transferred it for veterinary care with plans to release it back into the wild once recovered.

Local residents noted this was not the first time shepherds in the area have rescued wildlife; a few months prior, another shepherd found a stork with a broken leg and similarly ensured it received treatment. The community emphasized their role in protecting the natural environment amid ongoing threats, stating that shepherds not only safeguard security and prevent hostile activities but also actively preserve wildlife and nature in the region.

The incident highlights the important role shepherds play as vigilant guardians of both security and the environment in the Judea and Samaria area.