THE PHILIPPINE Eagle Foundation (PEF) recently rescued a juvenile Philippine Eagle from the Bagalbal Forest in Mt. Apo Kalatungan Range Natural Park, Valencia City, Bukidnon on Aug. 31.
In a report released by PEF, the team responded swiftly after Bantay Lasang Volunteers 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 report stated.
The volunteer also informed the City Environment and Natural Resources Office Valencia and DENR-CENRO Valencia, and after confirming the eagle’s identity, a composite rescue team was dispatched, securing the eagle and were 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. 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,” the report added.
In his medical report, Dr. Bayani Vandenbroeck, PEF’s veterinary consultant, said a more plausible explanation could be 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.”
PEF said an investigation will also be conducted to determine the cause of the eagle’s injury further.
