Bald Eagle’s Rock-Fostering Journey Leads to a Surprising Parenthood with a Rescued Chick

A permanently injured bald eagle named Murphy, living in a sanctuary, was seen trying to hatch a rock. After being introduced to a rescued eaglet, Murphy took on the role of a father, feeding and caring for the chick, much to the delight of sanctuary staff.
Murphy, a permanently injured bald eagle unable to fly, has found an unexpected role at the World Bird Sanctuary (WBS) in Missouri. Residing there for the rest of his life, the 31-year-old eagle captured the attention of sanctuary staff last month when he began exhibiting unusual behavior. Caretaker Kerstin noticed that Murphy had fashioned a small depression in the ground, carefully adorned with leaves and branches, with a rock at the center. It didn’t take long before she saw him sitting on the rock, as though trying to hatch it like an egg. Despite the impossibility of it, Murphy diligently continued this odd ritual for several days, even fending off other eagles that came too close.

This behavior led some observers to believe Murphy might be lonely, but WBS clarified that Murphy wasn’t seeking companionship. He was content living with four other eagles, but he was clearly uninterested in their help with his makeshift nest. The sanctuary staff noted that he wasn’t lonely or desperate for a mate—he simply preferred to nurture his rock. They also pointed out that Murphy wasn’t interested in any real eggs and would likely abandon his rock when he lost interest. For now, though, his unique actions brought joy to the staff, who affectionately watched as he cared for his “egg.”

A surprising twist came last week when high winds destroyed a bald eagle nest near Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. One chick survived the fall, and it was brought to the WBS Wildlife Hospital. Recognizing that Murphy might be the perfect candidate to foster the eaglet, staff decided to give it a try. Though Murphy had never raised a chick before, they hoped it would be his best chance at fatherhood. The chick, named “BabyRock,” was placed in his enclosure, and Murphy initially examined the baby curiously. But it wasn’t until the next day, when the eaglet moved closer to Murphy, that something incredible happened. Murphy fed the chick, a moment that WBS staff eagerly shared on social media, expressing their excitement over the bond forming between the two. The staff has remained as hands-off as possible, allowing Murphy and BabyRock to bond naturally.

The story of Murphy’s transformation from rock guardian to father figure has warmed hearts at the sanctuary, as they continue to give him the space to care for his new chick.