Murphy the Eagle, Who Tried to Hatch a Rock, Becomes Stepdad for Stranded Eaglet | Living St. Louis

Murphy the bald eagle first began nesting with a rock in March 2023. But what seemed like a quirky habit became an asset to the World Bird Sanctuary when an orphaned eaglet was in need of care. Murphy is the first bald eagle to become a foster parent at the sanctuary.
On July 7, the eaglet was released into the wild: • Murphy the Eagle’s Ado...
#eagle #murphy #eaglets

[@Powerranger-le4up]

Murphy gets to foster again. Another eaglet couldn’t be returned to its nest and Murphy will be raising it:

[@NinePBS]

We revisited the World Bird Sanctuary to learn more about his new foster eaglet. Check out the full video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZfaqKaqhKeGnpI

[@tharedpotatowwhale]

He's not the step father, he is the father that stepped up.

[@TraciDoering-hw8hu]

That is great! A dad is a dad. You bet. My older brother and sister were my biological father's offspring. They were his children though. We have six brothers and sisters altogether. None of us thought of them as half brothers and sisters. My father treated them as they were, his children. To this day, it seems weird to even say half-brother or half-sister, because it surely doesn't apply in any of our minds. My father was wonderful. He passed 37 years ago. I still miss him like I did the day he passed. But, I feel him with me. It is precious and like he is right here with me. The memories grow stronger, not dimmer. My biggest fear was that the memories would fade. For me, they grew stronger than ever. I feel him right here when i think of him or speak of him, instantly. I can't wait to see him hereafter!

[@Nitram4392]

​@@TraciDoering-hw8huBlood relation does not make you family. It only gives you a head start to becoming family.

[@kaymarieperera4778]

Well said!

[@michaelversace456]

Oh dear god that statement demonstrates ignorance. Fathers are literally excluded from their children over impossible means at a rate of 76%. Women choose to have kids by those who don't want them. To be a step father is literally a financial death sentence.

[@Checkers87698]

@@michaelversace456 men have a social stigma of being absentee from their children. If men would work towards removing this prejudice there would be more of a balance between parents. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 19.5 million children, more than 1 in 4, live without a father in the home.

[@shantakidd6230]

“An eagle fostering a rock into a real adorable eaglet” That’s called Murphy’s Aww 🥰

[@shirleyjhaney1041]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤you’re awesome

[@musclemary2227]

Super cute comment ❤ God bless

[@silverlime4921]

LOL THATS A GREAT ONE

[@xC4N4D14NB4C0Nx]

Nailed it.

[@imalwaysright]

🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@NiMari.]

Well done Murphy.... when the time comes to name this eaglet....it's gotta be Rocky.❤

[@deafmonk24]

I was just thinking of that name.

[@AcerJones21]

They won't name the eaglet. It's for superstitious reasons- the idea that if it has a name its more likely to end up not being releasable. Murphy has a permanent injury and cannot be released.

[@NiMari.]

​@@AcerJones21 i know all about Murphy (I have actually seen him rl) and why they are not naming the eaglet but to me he will always be Rocky no matter what his numberic designation may end up.

[@AJdet-2]

I totally agree, either "Rocky" or "The Rock"

[@petthequeenofmaddness8592]

lets name all the future eggs and chicks the rocks or the pebbles, he's going to save a lot of babys

[@daphne10120]

Someone stole my pet rock in middle school. Thank god no one replaced it with a baby 😂

[@scray00]

😂😂😂

[@lyndacarter5090]

😂😂😂

[@annbaptiste2308]

Lol😅

[@The-Floor.]

That would be awkward

[@judybevers5557]

When you were looking for your Pet Rock did you check with Murphy? 🪨 🦅

[@marsaustralis6881]

Not mentioned is that they had to put the eaglet under a safety cage for a week when they swapped it with the rock, just in case Murphy felt hostile to the chick. After Murphy took to feeding the eaglet and responding positively to its cries, the sanctuary removed the cage and allowed Murphy to fully assume foster father duties.

[@Trenchcoat3]

Cool to know they were taking good safety precautions

[@CodaBlairLucarioEmperor]

Yeah. This sort of thing is always needed when introducing animals to each other. Irregardless of what animals they are, you need to try to do it slowly so neither of them lashes out and endangers either of them.

[@nadapenny8592]

They show it at 1:48 but they don't talk about it. Thanks for explaining.

[@t-and-p]

Thank you for explaining. I was thinking that they must have used some sort of safety precaution (they seem sensible) but wasn't sure what it could be. Appreciate you taking the time to clear up the mystery! 😎👍

[@amandasunshine2]

Thank you for making this comment 😭 ❤

[@jenndarcis]

🎶A single dad who works two jobs. Who loves his kid hatched from a rock...🎶 🦅

[@janeeyre1990]

With gentle wings and the beak of a fighter

[@klauds6375]

He has talons of steal and is as fast as a whip!

[@leahbaker8236]

This is gorgeous

[@Baddie_centrale]

A movie

[@Baddie_centrale]

A movie

[@ismarwinkelman5648]

Murphy prepared for a task he felt was his duty and fate presented him with an opportunity to fulfill his destiny ❤

[@jenniferjean]

Great story and a rare one.

[@sawyerthestarling]

I love this comment so much.

[@feministpicnicfallsapartaf3644]

Adoption is disgusting, its not his offspring. Hes getting tricked

[@ismarwinkelman5648]

@@feministpicnicfallsapartaf3644 That is rich coming from a dude in lingerie 😂🤣 Honestly, please do not project your own abandonment issues onto this sweet little bird. He was in need of a parent and Murphy was ready to be one. You are simply jealous someone cared about this little guy whilst you’ve managed to scare away everyone in your life. Get help. It is not that expensive.

[@ismarwinkelman5648]

@@sawyerthestarling Well, I simply spoke my mind 😊

[@LauraNightstar]

I'm so glad Murphy has a real eaglet, so much better than a rock. 💕

[@kathryncarter6143]

Wouldn't ya just love to know what went through his mind when that rock came to life. Amazing job!

[@banneduser5187]

@@kathryncarter6143 "I knew it... I really am a wizard"

[@Veeravaara]

​@@kathryncarter6143 it's like Gepetto and Pinoccio

[@Treize132]

But the rock is immortal a baby that will never die

[@enderdrane]

Wha- how dare you shame his adorable rock like that! Anyways, yeah, it's nice to see em happy with its new baby :p

[@remcovanvliet3018]

Murphy, in five years, to his wife: "I swear, Marge, that's how it works! I know it doesn't make any sense, but I've seen it with my own 2 eyes! You just pile up some sticks, pick a rock, and sit on it for a while. Then, after a couple of weeks, the chick fairy comes along, and switches it out for a baby!"

[@suep9445]

​@Sirei Shirosenshi Murphy does not have a mate. The penguin breed that uses rocks are not gay - presenting a rock to a prospective mate is part of their mating ritual.

[@raeperonneau4941]

😂

[@valkyrie1066]

YES. He shows a desire/need for parenting; use it! Our neutered male chihuahua adored baby chicks. They dug, dusted, and sunbathed with them, and permitted himself to be used as a hot water bottle at night. The adult hens did not seem to mind him a bit. I am so very glad to hear about Murphy and his miracle baby! That is the very best you can do for a tiny tyke like that! He'll teach him all that eagle stuff.

[@TraciDoering-hw8hu]

Have you seen the videos on youtube of the cat with the baby chicks. The hens hang out and stare, even the mom. They are so fun to watch. It's by the same channel.

[@Trenchcoat3]

@@TraciDoering-hw8hu When I was a kid one of my brothers friend’s cats was obsessed with their hamsters. She corralled and cleaned them like they were her own kittens 😂

[@valkyrie1066]

@@Trenchcoat3 So adorable! She probably thought they had to be kittens. Unfortunately, I had to rescue chicks from a larger m/f dog pair insistent on nursing them. Their aggressive licking and prodding killed a few, but I knew they were only trying to help them. Size matters.

[@raxtbk]

His rock egg was auctioned to help fund the sanctuary ❤

[@firstlast7510]

Awww😍

[@banneduser5187]

Murphy: "You all laughed at me, called me crazy, said it's just a rock and nothing will ever happen... NOT LAUGHING NOW ARE YOU?"

[@coffeync]

"You laughed, but honestly the rock was the only way to get the humans to understand I was ready for a baby. They just aren't smart, so you have to act it out."

[@marygoround1292]

It's so fascinating to hear about animals (regardless of species) adopting and fostering orphans. It drives home the point that humans are not the only species capable of empathy, kindness, and nurturing.

[@rjmazkoff2724]

Especially since he's a male, I could be wrong but most male animals either leave or get pushed away by the mother

[@sleepcaster]

@@rjmazkoff2724 That tends to be the case for a lot of animals, but bald eagles (and other birds of prey as well) are unique in that both parents are involved in child rearing! Bald eagles mate for life and generally return to the same nest every year and it's common for the male and the female to take turns incubating the egg while the other goes off to get food. You're definitely right though in regards to how fascinating it is to see a male eagle so excited to be a parent :] heartwarming

[@crazyhairsinger]

​@@sleepcaster Usually though, the male does not take part in feeding and rearing the chicks. Once they're born, his duty is solely to provide for his family. Which is why this behavior is so unusual. Either way, it's heartwarming that he became a great dad, regardless of his gender.

[@Alucard-gt1zf]

It's not really empathy, it's just a forced hormonal desire to want to raise a child, he didn't care if this "child" was actually an Eagle or just a rock

[@Tracker947]

​@Alucard-gt1zf You have the knowledge to understand that hormones drive certain behaviors but not the self awareness to realize that the same logic could be used to devalue everything that *you* do and feel as well.

[@nadyah8183]

Murphy got mad manifestations skills 😅❤🤗❤

[@Treize132]

Right !

[@Vikn01]

Wow. Beautiful. I cant wait to name my first child 23-126 in honor of this event.

[@stevieme8642]

Gotta name that eaglet Rocky!

[@feuerling]

The center doesn't name their rehab birds out of superstition, but the fans have indeed called it Rocky

[@stevieme8642]

@@feuerling superstition? No, it's because he hatched from a rock!

[@cecilyerker]

@@feuerling That’s fair. But that doesn’t mean we can’t name him!

[@nancychace8619]

Gotta love it 😀 I must admit I like that name, too. Such a perfect fit! Hard for me to see how naming an eagle chick will impede releasing him to the wild one day. I think it will generate more interest and support for him. That's the way it's worked out for the Cal Berkeley falcons, but what do I know?

[@ShiningAndStarstruck]

Why not name him "law"?

[@averyvanderlouw1193]

Murphy is now a major asset in eagle conservation, that’s awesome!

[@ginny5937]

So happy for Murphy and his very own eaglet! 😍

[@Kim_Miller]

Somehow, even over here in Australia, the story of Murphy sitting on the rock became known. I'm happy to see how it worked out for him and the chick. In Mandalor culture, rescuing and parenting a foundling is part of the process of becoming a Mandalorian. 🙂

[@tleach0608]

I work at the Sanctuary and it AMAZES me how this story has become a worldwide story. =D

[@KristenRowenPliske]

This is The Way.

[@TheBOG3]

I've been watching Kaius' story (baby Gorilla in Oz) here in the U.S., too.

[@pamelahofman1785]

@@tleach0608 Thank you for the work you do! I have a daughter who is a zookeeper at the Los Angeles Zoo and I know it's not easy nor well-paying. Those who do it are passionate about animals and conservation. Thank you for helping support these birds.

[@jayney6176]

Yeah but then you gotta scour the universe for the bio parent

[@StopWhining491]

Happy Father's Day, Murphy.

[@WhatWouldVillainsDo]

He has stronger paternal instincts than most humans. He really made a tremendous advancement in scientific history. Actually having a actual parent and not just some humans caring for him greatly increased it's ability to survive.

[@hanniaedithmartinezadame794]

Other eagles already tried to incubate rocks before xd Murphy wasn't the first one.

[@WhatWouldVillainsDo]

@@hanniaedithmartinezadame794 still kinda amazing that a lone male has that drive to nest and care for young.

[@everlasting9292]

Murphy is a real one. I’ve been following Murph’s story since shortly after he started incubating the rock. I’m so stoked that this all worked out for everyone. When I heard that there were signs that Murphy was feeding the baby, I almost screamed with excitement!! I love that photo of them first seeing each other. Murphy looking straight down at baby, and baby looking up like, “…uhhh hi?”

[@airbornemelody6156]

what a good daddy!! so glad he gets to father a real baby now.. he’s a good boy 💕 he really wanted to be a dad so badly 😭

[@jonharrison3114]

He’s a Man now.. Man eagle

[@mmbell]

This is the best example for if you want to be a parent you dont care where the baby comes from. That is so sweet😊

[@brigitkarlsen4294]

Mother Nature... we love you....

[@minyoung823]

Congrats, Murphy! For experiencing fatherhood. 😁👏👏👏🎉🎉

[@angelaarmstrong6405]

Baby Rocky 🪨 🦅

[@kissalexx99]

Murphy is a powerful manifestor. He wanted to be a dad and so he manifested it. ❤️

[@EyeSeeThruYou]

Good fathers of the avian kind, Murphy saved a life of his own species ❤❤❤❤ In the wild, if a female Bald eagle of a pair goes missing or dies, the males have been known to continue hunting and provide food and care to eaglets. If the young birds are close to or fledged, it increases the chances that the father can help them survive to reach self-sufficiency. Murphy as a foster parent to a younger chick, which typically would not survive, provides an excellent opportunity for the rescue community to learn about this species and how to help a family if a parent becomes unable to do so.

[@chrism3790]

"I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is" - Forest Gump

[@mk_wizard]

This warms my heart so much. And this is why I believe animals have souls. Such a lovely creature with a lovelier demeanor.

[@kp8381]

What a sweet story. Thank you. 🦅❤️

[@Tia.K.C]

Murphy just showed us how to manifest our dreams 😂

[@jamescrossland2599]

"Son! Just wait till ur old enough n I will teach u how to gut a fish 🐠 using only ur BEAK!"---🐟🦅❤😊

[@banneduser5187]

"and how to make babies using only rocks"

[@jamescrossland2599]

@@banneduser5187 That eaglet is gonna have some serious emotional problems if he ever discovers the truth❓ 😐 🦅

[@corvettenut1502]

I nomimate Murphy and M15 for Fathers Of The Year.... 😁

[@cattailer1077]

Come on.....Murphy needs his life mate!!!! Love is in the air💖

[@AcerJones21]

They did say that some of the eagles he lives with are female... but he's never bothered to court any lol

[@cattailer1077]

@@AcerJones21 ...thanks! I feel better👍🏻🦅

[@rebekahdavis5935]

@@AcerJones21 Did they say that in this video? I must have missed it. Also curious about Murphy's story and why he doesn't have a mate...

[@sandwich496]

@@AcerJones21 Sigma male

[@nicholashodges201]

@@rebekahdavis5935 it's likely he HAD one, but she died. Many life mating birds won't get a new mate if theirs dies

[@yourenough3]

Eagles make me cry because i love them so much im so happy for murphy 😊❤

[@kathryncarter6143]

A TRUE ROCK STAR!!!!!!

[@shendaraalshedir1933]

THIRTY ONE YEARS??? WOW!!! WHAT a blessing that a beautiful Eagle can live that long, or longer, how wonderful is that???👍🏻😄😃 CONGRATULATIONS Murphy on becoming a Daddy! And WHAT a great Dad you are, well done sweetheart!!!👏🏻👌🏻❤️🦅 ❤️ Murphy is such a beautiful boy!!🤗💖🍀🐾🌈☮️🇨🇦

[@hoozentroger]

Eagles under human care can live up to 30-50 years so they say! Lets hope Murphy has still 20 yrs to raise babies! ^^

[@sandram6828]

What a sweetie. ❤❤❤❤

[@yvetteperez5342]

❤❤❤HOW AWESOME I SALUTE EVERY SINGLE DAD NO MATTER YOUR SPECIES

[@viagray8098]

“He may have been your father, boy- But he wasn’t your daddeh” -Murphy The Eagle

[@brendaholliday6866]

When I first heard this story about Murphy, I wondered what he thought about this baby eaglet. First, he was incubating a rock and now all of a sudden, he became a father! May this eaglet grow up and spread his wings toward the sky. 🦅

[@hulksmash3139]

Murphy knows it's his duty to pass Freedom on to the next generation 🇺🇲🦅🇺🇲

[@issecret1]

My god, I hope this is a joke

[@Ambelica]

As a step parent myself , we love our children just the same ❤❤❤

[@waves889]

Such a brilliant storey these eagles are so intelligent 🦤😂

[@sandyhossman7771]

So happy for Murphy, he now a dad!

[@Butterfly-mt5ml]

Aww congratulations Murphy! ❤❤

[@Snake13042]

We got a pair of hawks nesting near my farmhouse now. The rabbit population has never been more under control!

[@SunnyAquamarine2]

I knew he was nesting on a rock, but this is the first I've seen that he's now got a son. That's really sweet.

[@lolala330]

Happy Early Father's Day to Murphy :)

[@nancychace8619]

Appreciate you don't want people to get overly attached to the baby b/c you want to free him back to the wild, but I think you should name the baby. It will help to sustain interest. Everybody knows the goal is to free the baby. At Cal Berkeley, there's a live cam on a perigrine falcon who routinely nests every year in a big tower there. She and her several mates by this time have generated much interest over the years, boding well for support of the species. They just had a naming contest for the chicks. Everybody loves them and returns to see how she does the following season. Check them out. Wish you, Murphy and Baby good luck.

[@sierralovat5498]

Rocky!

[@VictorNewman201]

​@@sierralovat5498 That's perfect!

[@nancychace8619]

@@sierralovat5498 Lol - good one!

[@stillhere1425]

Baby Goodluck is a perfect name! Write to the sanctuary directly!

[@bleeka325]

I think it’s more so that the employees and volunteers that work with the baby eaglet directly don’t get attached; it’s not so much that the general public doesn’t get attached.

[@tr7b410]

What agreat story-thanks for an upbeat message in this world full of negative news.

[@StevenP727]

Murphy is the kind of guy you simply cannot dislike

[@Bananadiva1]

Not only is Murphy a hero so are all the staff that work for this wonderful organisation ❤❤❤

[@sidensvans67]

Awww. How lovely .

[@jstone7365]

Poor bud. It was in his nature to care for a eaglet. I'm so glad that the people taking car of him gave him a chance to do so.

[@subparsubs2712]

I feel what this bird does. Hit 30 and got the male version of baby fever. Been trying to convince the better half to play along but no luck yet.

[@valkyrie1066]

I was 39 and married a 47 year old. Imagine our surprise to have a daughter right afterward! We had both been told it couldn't happen. Lottery! Of course, I am still mistaken for her grandmother....totally worth it.

[@Treize132]

​@@valkyrie1066My mom had me at 40 my brother and sister are a decade older than me

[@Scraggledust]

This is why I love critters. Especially when we help them reclaim lost habitats

[@sharlharmakhis280]

Family is more than blood. This is the Way.

[@billyz5088]

Amazing how large & majestic these birds are when you see them up close - a local wildlife rehab/sanctuary brought a few owls, hawks & eagles to our farmer's market/craft fair - the handler was a smaller woman - about 5 ft tall and the bald eagle seemed nearly as big as her - oh yeah, don't stand behind eagles - when nature calls they just let it fly ..

[@KK-qm8bo]

This bird just won himself a lifetimes worth of foster babies. ❤❤

[@henrimatisse7481]

and raptors are just damn beautiful

[@T-RexRita]

They should have live cameras on the fostering birds. It would attract a lot more attention and funding for your cause.❤️🦅

[@karentheis3690]

So inspiring!💕🦅

[@horsepower1946]

He knew he was going to be a dad❤️

[@kathysalkeldbonilla6541]

"Eaglet adopted by eagle who had adopted rock released into wild." What a wonderful story, thank you!

[@the_Real_Grammy_of_6]

Besides the fact that this story is incredible and educational, it’s a story that I really needed to hear. I get so sad that most things I hear about, on the news, are just so awful. I actually don’t watch the news anymore. But my husband does so sometimes I overhear things, all things that sometimes makes me cry because of the world that my grandkids are growing up in. This is a story that made me smile. I plan on watching it again with my grandkids that are old enough to understand. Thank you 🙏

[@Tranquility32]

Awww LOVE this story. Thank you for sharing.

[@MelliundSpike]

Thank you so much for offer him his only Wish to be a good Father 🥰🥰🥰👍🏼💖

[@malraj427]

This is so sweet

[@findyourpassion8722]

It was meant to be! What an amazing story and timing

[@zombieponcho]

3:51 I love when birds stand in a way that lets you see how long their silly bird legs are. It's like they've got feather leggings on lol.

[@imalwaysright]

I love Murphy 🥹🥹🥹

[@denimjeanz916]

Bald Eagles are so beautiful. Way to go Father Murphy.

[@caroljones1605]

Awesome!

[@ryrify]

Murphy is Dad goals ❤

[@lindaadelwerth8042]

Much love to Murphy! This was a Amazing and Beautiful story!

[@notme2day]

If this is successful Murphy will need a new rock! Rinse and repeat. I ❤ Murphy!

[@Bettinasisrg]

Really proves that if you wish for something hard enough! Murphy the eagle is a better dad than some humans! Love this and another reason I cannot justify eating animals.

[@I_Queen_Aries_I]

Good job Murphy ❤ It's beautiful to see sanctuaries helping wildlife in so many ways. 👏

[@siliconvalleyengineer5875]

God Bless Murphy !

[@KatiTheButcher]

Im sure it makes Murphy happy too! Sweet story!

[@peggylarue7824]

This is the best I’ve seen in sooooo long, definitely lightens my heart. Thank you for sharing and all the very best to Murphy as he experiences parenthood.❤️❤️

[@mirandarights9635]

Maybe someday Murphy will be offered an Eagle egg to hatch and care for!! May the Lord bless loving Murphy!😇😇

[@vivianefrancart5065]

Thank you Murphy, this is fantastic❤❤❤🌹🌱

[@tiff-skirocksonville49]

I love this story❤

[@DancerGirl-24]

thanks to all rescuers!

[@stephaniebernd2708]

YAY Murphy

[@dixieanderson2276]

Murphy found a way to communicate his needs and desires - he is one smart bird - this is truly heartwarming and hopeful - and baby gets loved and cared for by Dad! Thank you!

[@AudreyLMcFarland]

Good job Murphy! May he continue to be a great foster Dad, and bring more people to know, learn, and love Bald Eagles and other birds of prey!

[@bluekatgal7300]

Baby eaglets do not learn how to fly, hunt or fish from parents in the wild. Hopefully better to be nurtured by eagle than human with a sock hand.

[@TheErik249]

I absolutely LOVE this. Murphy the eagle... Now... eagle papa. Congratulations Murphy. Congratulations to Eaglet 23.

[@carmelaszymanski8232]

23126.. WELCOME HOME TO FOSTER WORLD. MURPHY THANK YOU FOR GIVING US MORE LIFE.. LOVE THIS BEAUTIFUL AND LOVING VIDEO.. CAN WE CALL MURPHYS EGG."JR"?? WGY NOT?? LOVE PREVAILS THANK YOU ALL

[@BlindingDarkness1111]

Good job, Dad. We can all learn from this example. ❤

[@SplitxHeart]

It is so interesting to hear that birds of prey in general have the ability to foster. :O Not just Murphy who surprisingly turned out to be an excelent single dad, but also owls? If I could, I'd totally visit the senctuary with my mom who is a bird nut. It just so happens that I'm fostering three wild baby birds myself and I really hope that they will make it back into the wild like the ones I fostered in the past. :3 Murphy wish me luck!

[@pamelahofman1785]

Thank you for fostering!

[@0prayus]

Murphy listened to the ticking of his paternal clock and was blessed with a baby of his own. Wonderful 💞

[@englishrose4388]

I love how Murphy’s wish became a reality.

[@Gabistruwwelliese]

Thank you for your conservation efforts. As a primatologist working with endangered species I know it's sometimes hard to get people interested beyond viral stories. I think younger generations will begin reconnecting to nature - from the products we consume (that might be sustainable or not) to local grassroots actions like community building around sustainable and rewilding actions. Also, we need big big changes at international level like carbon emissions, so on and so forth - so ranging from micro to macro.