Though an American Bald Eagle underwent surgery to repair its broken wings, surgeons say it may never fly again.

Busch Entertainment Corp.

Veterinary surgeon, Mark Ruder (left) and Veterinary student, Wayne Reid (right), wrap the eagle's broken wing after surgery.

On December 8th, a tractor-trailer on I-64 near Williamsburg struck the bird, breaking both its wings and sending it rolling down an embankment.

Virginia State Police called Robert Yordi, Busch Gardens Europe's manager of zoological operations to assist in the capture of the injured bird.

The eagle was taken to The Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro, and after several days of monitoring the bird, surgeons performed a series if procedures on the bird to mend her broken wings.

"While she likely won't be able to fly again, hopefully she'll recover and spend the rest of her life educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation," said Yordi.

Tuesday, Dr. David McRuer, director of veterinary medicine at The Wildlife Center of Virginia, said the eagle was making progress. Her blood pressure was up, she was eating on her own, and the x-rays were encouraging.

He said it will take between three and four weeks for the eagle's bones to heal. Then, she will undergo a series of physical therapy sessions to stretch her wings.

After that, the eagle will spend time in the flight pen, where she can safely practice flying, if she is able to fly at all.

Efforts are currently underway to find a permanent home for the eagle.