A rare white-tailed eagle has been rescued from captivity in Sukkur, Sindh, after reportedly suffering severe mistreatment at the hands of hunters.
According to wildlife rescuers, the bird was found with its eyes reportedly sewn shut and its feathers clipped, allegedly to prevent it from flying away. The eagle had reportedly been captured for use in hunting. The rescue was carried out by a team led by wildlife conservationist Haroon Yousafzai in cooperation with the Sindh Wildlife Department.
The white-tailed eagle, scientifically known as Haliaeetus albicilla, is normally associated with colder regions stretching from Scandinavia toward Siberia. Its appearance in Sindh is considered highly unusual.
Reports say the bird was rescued in November 2025 and has since been undergoing rehabilitation. Wildlife experts are providing care while assessing its injuries and chances of recovery.
The eagle’s presence in Pakistan is also considered significant because the species has been reported only rarely in the country. Some reports describe this as the first recorded sighting in the region in around 155 years, although historical records and the exact timeline have not been independently verified.
Conservationists hope the eagle can fully recover and eventually be returned to the wild. The case has also highlighted concerns over the illegal capture and exploitation of rare birds of prey in Pakistan.
