A juvenile Philippine Eagle was rescued from the Bagalbal Forest in the Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park, Valencia City, Bukidnon, on August 31, 2024. The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), in collaboration with local environmental agencies, responded swiftly to reports from Bantay Lasang Volunteers, who discovered the young eagle during a routine patrol.
The bird, estimated to be around 6-7 months old, was found perching on a tree and calling out loudly due to apparent distress and starvation. The volunteers promptly alerted the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Valencia and DENR-CENRO Valencia. After confirming the eagle's identity, a composite rescue team was dispatched, and the eagle was secured and transported to KJT Veterinary Services in Valencia City for emergency treatment.
Upon examination, the bird was found to have a severe wing injury, likely caused by either a hard fall or blunt force trauma. The eagle was dehydrated and emaciated, requiring immediate medical attention. PEF’s Senior Animal Keeper Dominic Tadena and Biologist Julia Lynne Allong assisted local veterinarians in stabilizing the bird before transporting it to Davao City for further care.
The eagle’s condition was critical, and upon arrival at Doc Bayani's Animal Wellness Center in Davao City, it was determined that the wing injury was necrotic, necessitating amputation. The surgery was successfully performed, and the bird is now under close observation, with hopes for a full recovery.
"It is improbable that the eagle sustained this type of compound fracture and wound solely from a fall from the nest. A more plausible explanation is that the eagle was shot with a high-powered firearm using large ammunition, such as a marble gun or shotgun, which caused the extensive bone fragmentation in the wing at the point of impact", Dr. Bayani Vandenbroeck, PEF’s veterinary consultant, said in his medical report.
An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the eagle's injuries, with authorities considering both accidental and intentional harm as possible causes. The Philippine Eagle Foundation remains committed to safeguarding the future of this critically endangered species.
"We commend the swift and very professional response of our community, LGU, and DENR colleagues from Valencia City because this prompt action certainly saved the life of the poor eaglet", said Dennis I. Salvador, PEF’s Executive Director. “But while we commend the prompt action of our partners, we are also deeply distressed by the continued persecution of our National Bird in the wild. Each individual counts, and we all need to work together to stop this,” he added.
(PR)
