Bald eagle went viral for protecting his ‘RockBaby.’ He just died in Missouri storms
Photographed protecting and incubating a rock in 2023, Murphy’s life suddenly changed.
Already three decades into his life, well past the normal life expectancy for a bald eagle, Murphy became an internet sensation at the World Bird Sanctuary in Missouri.
The fatherly qualities shown as Murphy incubated the rock, which he believed to be an egg, even led to real parenting opportunities when he became a foster parent.
He flourished in the two years that followed, becoming a “rockstar foster dad” to help his eaglet return to the wild. That led to a second fostering opportunity the next year.
But following a series of violent storms and tornadoes that swept through the St. Louis region, Murphy was found dead in his aviary March 15, according to the World Bird Sanctuary.
A necropsy showed Murphy sustained head trauma, but it’s unclear exactly how the 33-year-old eagle suffered the fatal injuries, the sanctuary said. It’s believed the storm played a role in his death.
“We could not have asked for a better ambassador and role model,” the sanctuary said in a Facebook post. “We are incredibly grateful for the community that came together as a result of his heartwarming story. We are devastated by this loss and know that the community mourns with us.”
MurphyMania began in March 2023 when he was seen incubating his rock, appropriately given the name RockBaby, officials said.
His journey from protecting his rock to becoming a foster parent for an injured eaglet captured the attention of many, as the sanctuary continued to update about Murphy’s happenings. Many of their social media posts received thousands of shares and hundreds of comments from the bald eagle’s fans.
“Murphy’s transition from rock incubating to rockstar foster dad of an injured eaglet brought daily joy to thousands as we watched their journey together,” the sanctuary said. “As Murphy’s eaglet grew so did our love of him. Their journey together taught thousands about eagle growth and development, the bonds between eagle parents and their young, and the critical work that goes into wildlife rehabilitation.”
No other eagles were injured during the March 14 storms, officials said. Murphy lived alongside three other birds in his aviary.
Murphy’s legacy will live on, as the sanctuary plans to name its upcoming fostering aviary Murphy’s Manor “so that we can continue to remember him for decades to come.”
“His resilience, spirit, and dedication as a foster dad touched the hearts of millions of people throughout the world, leaving an especially profound impact on those fortunate enough to have worked with him,” the sanctuary said.
The World Bird Sanctuary is in Valley Park, about a 25-mile drive southwest from St. Louis.
This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 3:03 PM with the headline "Bald eagle went viral for protecting his ‘RockBaby.’ He just died in Missouri storms."