By Jesse Graham
HEALESVILLE Sanctuary’s oldest resident has marked another milestone, with Jess the wedge-tailed eagle celebrating his 46th birthday on Friday 16 September.
The eagle became a resident in 1974, after being rescued four years earlier by Graham Carkeek in the Warburton Ranges.
Jess’ nest had fallen out of a tree and he was too young to fend for himself, so Mr Carkeek, who worked at the sanctuary in the 1940s, built a nest in his Lilydale garage to care for the animal.
When laws changed in 1974 to require rehabilitators to have permits to care for native wildlife, Jess was brought to the sanctuary.
Since then, Jess has become one of the most iconic residents at the venue, featuring on Australia Post’s 60 cent stamp and on Wolf Blass’ wine labels, as well as having a cameo in the film Healing.
Jess is now flown by keeper James Goodridge, who said it was a “privilege” to work with the eagle.
“It really is a privilege to work with these amazing birds, knowing that they are making the choice to work with you,” he said.
“It’s these kinds of interactions that make me feel like I have a mutual bond with him.”
Jess flies often during the sanctuary’s midday Spirits of the Sky presentation, alongside other Australian birds, including a barking owl and sulphur-crested cockatoo.
It is estimated by keepers that Jess has flown more than 160,000 fly-bys while at the sanctuary.
