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HUNTERSVILLE — The Carolina Raptor Center is rehabilitating a rare bird of prey, a Golden Eagle, who is blind in one eye. This is only the center's fourth Golden Eagle in nearly 30 years.

Currently, the Carolina Raptor Center has two Golden Eagles. Dr. David Scott, veterinarian at the center, said the golden eagles are quite rare in this part of the United states and it is unusual for them to be seen.

Now, the center has a third. The unnamed bird came to the Carolina Raptor Center last week, after someone spotted him in Lenoir County with an old injury to his right eye.

"The eye was actually protruding out of the skull. He's blind. The eye's completely non-functional, it'll have to be removed. But because of that injury, he's also very thin, so he's still not quite ready for surgery to have that eyeball removed,” said Scott.

Center officials have been working on his health before moving forward with surgery,which they hope to perform by the middle of next week. Scott said the birds of prey are incredibly tough creatures.

"They come in with injuries that a human would just die from the actual pain,” said Scott. “I'm constantly amazed and in awe of what they can stand and look quite happy with."

It will take two weeks for recovery after the surgery, however the bird will not be released back into the wild.

"With that one eye, he can't fend for himself. A bird of prey relies on stereoscopic vision for a lot of their hunting ability,” said Scott.

Instead, the bird will have a home at the Carolina Raptor Center or another educational facility. As the doctors monitor his progress, so can the public. The bird's X-rays, blood work, and even surgeries are all posted online.

"We're feeling much more comfortable that she's going to make it and do really well, so yeah, we're quite pleased with her progress,” said Scott.

Anyone who would like to follow the Golden Eagle's progress, or would like to donate to help cover the cost of his medical needs, visit the Carolina Raptor Center website