A nonprofit wildlife hospital on the Space Coast has been treating an osprey that was found suffering from burns at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
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A call came into the Melbourne-based Florida Wildlife Hospital on May 29 from the spaceport about the injured osprey, the same day that launches from both SpaceX and United Launch Alliance took place and one day after the massive explosion at Blue Origin’s pad at Launch Complex 36.
“Luckily, a concerned employee noticed the bird on the ground and jumped into action,” reads a press release from Executive Director Tracy Frampton. “The bird arrived with burns on his legs and one wing and all of his flight feathers were singed to the point that he could not take flight.”
The release stated the raptor’s prognosis remains guarded but that he was making steady improvements. The burns have begun to heal slowly, but the osprey’s flight feathers have not molted, the process where old feathers are shed and new ones grow in their place.
The hospital is providing wound care, laser treatments, and assisted feeding, medications and vitamins.
“Since the osprey will need to heal his wounds and molt (replace its feathers) completely before he can be released, it will likely be months before he is ready to go,” the release stated.
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When asked if the source of the burns could be related to a rocket launch, Frampton said it was a possibility.
“We don’t know for sure. It could be electrocution or launch-related. (The bird is not telling us),” she wrote in an email.
The hospital has been active on the Space Coast for more than 50 years, operating with both state and federal licenses. In 2025, the hospital took in 7,644 animal patients. The organization does not receive public funding and runs on donations.
“FWH is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert care to sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife. Our advanced veterinary hospital has a full-time veterinarian, as well as many other experienced staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to treat over 200 species,” according to its website at floridawildlifehospital.org. “Animals in need are rescued, rehabilitated and released back into their natural habitats, ensuring they have a second chance at life.”
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