Skamania Lodge will host the release of five-year-old bald eagle “Justice” on its front lawn tonight at 5 p.m. The event is open to the public.

Justice has spent the last three years in rehabilitation at the Raptor House, a Yakima nonprofit that cares for injured wild birds. The five-year-old bald eagle was found with an injured wing (likely the result of a fight with another eagle) and has spent the last three years regaining his strength. It’s the longest tenure of any Raptor House eagle to date.

“It’s a little bittersweet,” says Shannon Dalan, vice president of Raptor House. “To see the bird go will be a little sad, but it’s also exciting. It’s our job to get these birds back into the wild.”

Dalan will be on hand after the release to introduce onlookers to other birds and the important work Raptor House does. Turn it into a weekend by booking a room at the Lodge, which is currently boasting a $99 a night web special (use the promotion code FACELB). 

Learn more at raptorhouse.org and skamania.com, and look for images from the release next week on Tripster.