Elmwood was found injured as a juvenile bird in Nebraska in 1999. She was rehabilitated at the Raptor Recovery Center in Elmwood, Nebraska. The injury to her wing required surgery resulting in the removal of her right wrist. This type of injury makes it not possible for Elmwood to fly or hunt independently, but she is able to maneuver around a variety of levels in her enclosure. Elmwood transferred to VINS in 2000 and prefers to be a solo bald eagle ambassador.