QUOGUE, NY — Next week will mark three long months since hearts broke nationwide for a stolen bald eagle, Sam, who has a partially amputated right wing.

Three long months of waiting, hoping, and praying. But still, his enclosure remains empty at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, where schoolchildren have tied notes and drawings. "Please come home," the notes plead. This week, Marisa Nelson, assistant director of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, said the wait has been long and painful — but so far, there has been only silence. "There's noting to report at this time at this time, sadly," she said.

The Refuge has begun amping up its security procedures, adding some cameras, with work ongoing. And, Nelson said, while three months have passed, there is still a $17,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever stole Sammy.

Children still come to the Refuge with cards, letters and drawings for Sammy, hope alive in their innocent hearts. "Police are still investigating," Nelson said, adding, "We're still sad — for everybody."

The Refuge said, while the organization did not solicit donations for reward money, they set up an animal enclosure improvement fund to assist in the repair and update of its caging facilities and the installation of better security cameras. To donate, click here.



The stolen bald eagle sparked an outpouring of sadness.

The messages from sad children tied to Sam's reflect a community that has tried for months to grapple with his loss. "Dear Sammy, I hope you can be back soon," one child wrote. "We miss you. We will try to find you," wrote another. "Sammy, I wish you will come back. It bracks (sic) my heart that your (sic) missing. I will never like the person who stole you," another little girl said. When the bald eagle was stolen from the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, according to Quogue Village Police, officers responded to the facility, located on Old Country Road, and were told by staffers that the 35-year old male bald eagle had been removed from his cage and could not be found.