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Suspected Poisoning of Iconic White-Tailed Eagle Sparks National Outcry

Death of Caimín, Ireland's pioneering breeding eagle, prompts urgent investigation and calls for public assistance

Caimín was among the first group of 20 white-tailed eagle chicks brought from Norway to Ireland in 2008. (© Bob Foyle)

Beloved eagle found dead in Co Clare
Caimín, the first male white-tailed eagle to breed in Ireland in over a century, was found dead last Saturday near Mountshannon, County Clare. Initial post-mortem results from the Regional Veterinary Laboratory suggest poisoning as a possible cause of death.

Released in 2008 as part of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) reintroduction programme, Caimín had established a territory at Lough Derg and successfully raised multiple chicks over 17 years. His death is considered a significant setback to the reintroduction efforts.

Minister condemns potential poisoning
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, described the loss as "deeply regrettable" and emphasised the importance of the reintroduction programme in restoring this flagship species to Irish skies.

He has tasked the NPWS with conducting a thorough investigation and appealed to the public for any information that could aid in identifying those responsible.

Rising threat of poisoning
Eamonn Meskell, Divisional Manager at NPWS, highlighted a disturbing increase in poisoning incidents over the past five years, noting that the misuse of poisons accounts for nearly 50% of eagle deaths where the cause was determined.

He stated that the deliberate destruction of such a significant bird displays a wanton disregard for conservation efforts and urged the public to assist in the investigation.

Legacy of Caimín
Caimín was among the first group of 20 white-tailed eagle chicks brought from Norway to Ireland in 2008. In 2013, he and his mate Saoirse became the first pair to successfully breed in the wild in Ireland in over a century, attracting thousands of visitors to Mountshannon.

After Saoirse's death in 2016, Caimín continued to breed with another eagle, Bernardine, and was raising a chick at the time of his death. Bernardine remains on the nest, caring for their offspring.

Call to action
The NPWS urges anyone with information regarding Caimín's death to contact their local Garda station or NPWS office. The public's assistance is vital in addressing this potential crime and protecting Ireland's natural heritage.

June 2025

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