The golden eagle trained to fly beside a microlight plane

Four-year-old Sampson the golden eagle is making the most of its freedom after thieves took it from a zoo and kept it in a cupboard for six months.



The eagle, which has a wingspan of more than 2m (6ft 6in), snapped its feathers as it tried to escape.

It was rescued by falconer Jonathan Marshall, 38, and they formed an amazing bond. He coaxed Sampson to fly alongside his hang-glider by tempting it with meat before it could soar with the microlight at 600m (2,000ft).



Mr Marshall, from Barnstaple, Devon, said: 'It brings tears to my eyes when I think just how special it is that a wild bird has chosen to fly with me, especially one like Sampson who has experienced such cruelty at the hands of a human.'

With news video.