Young Peregrine Falcon Dies After Being Rushed To Emergency Animal Clinic

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- There is sad news on the status of the young Peregrine Falcon hatched earlier this year atop the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland.

The Animal Rescue League reports on their Facebook page that the bird has died after being rushed to an emergency clinic in Cleveland.

The Animal Rescue League's wildlife center took in the falcon last month due to concerns about flight feathers and neurological issues.

According to ARL officials, the bird, named Silver, recently "experienced a sudden drop in weight despite routine hand feedings and daily weight monitoring."

After showing symptoms of a respiratory illness, Silver's caretakers rushed the bird to see avian specialist Dr. Jamie Lindstrom at a clinic in Cleveland. But the falcon passed away while in their care.

The Animal Rescue League says Dr. Lindstrom diagnosed Silver with pulmonary obstructive disease and believes the bird's illness was linked to him being "developmentally delayed" and "immunosuppressed."

Silver hatched back on Mother's Day to Dorothy, the Peregrine Falcon nesting on the Cathedral of Learning.

Meanwhile, the Animal Rescue League is thanking Silver's well-wishers.

In their Facebook post, they say: "May the Peregrine's spirit fly, free of the burdens that plagued him during his short life."

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