Congressman asks National Zoo to find bald eagle a home

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A Missouri congressman is asking the National Zoo director to help find a home for a bald eagle that's blind in its left eye.

The eagle was rescued from LaClede County a month ago and brought to Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield.

A zoo veterinarian says the facility already has two bald eagles and doesn't have room for a third. The zoo has 180 days to find a home for the eagle. According to federal regulations, the bird will have to be euthanized if the zoo can't find a new home for it.

Zoo officials say the bird can't be released into the wild because it wouldn't survive without vision in its left eye.

It's not known how the bird's eye was damaged.

U.S. Rep. Billy Long told the Springfield News-Leader he's contacted the National Zoo director for help.