THE PHILIPPINE Eagle Foundation mourned the loss of Chick No. 30 on Nov. 29 at the National Bird Breeding Sanctuary (NBBS) in Barangay Eden, Toril District.
“This heartbreaking loss is a solemn reminder of how delicate chick-rearing can be and how critically endangered species are particularly vulnerable,” the press release on Nov. 30 reads.
Chick No. 30, the 17-day-old initially displayed normal behavior and feeding patterns. However, on Nov. 28, he exhibited respiratory distress, including labored breathing and sneezing.
The chick received immediate interventions, including oxygen therapy and fluid suctioning, and was able to stabilize his condition, however, the chick’s health declined, and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
Dr. Bayani Vandenbroeck conducted a necropsy and pointed to a yolk sac retention (omphalitis) and its resulting complications, as the possible cause of death.
“Of all the chicks that they’ve successfully hatched and raised, this is the first time that the PEF breeding team had a case of yolk sac retention, which is usually linked to infection or other causes. Strict hygiene and management protocols were followed, so we did not expect this at all, but we will probe where else we can improve,” Dr. Bayani said in a press release on Nov. 30.
The chick’s weight was considered a factor as it was significantly below the expected range for his age. The chick was hatched on Nov. 11.
Domingo Tadena, NBBS Facility Manager said this loss is a challenging setback but pushes their team to strengthen care practices.
“As we mourn this loss, we also draw inspiration from the lessons learned, which will guide us in our mission to protect and recover the Philippine eagle population. We remain steadfast in our dedication to ensuring the survival of this iconic species,” the press release reads.
Chick No. 30, the offspring of Sinag and Pin-pin, who was adopted by Boysen Philippines and Philippine Airlines, respectively,
The chick is a product of cooperative artificial insemination, with its parents being Pinpin, the female eagle who naturally incubated the egg for the first seven days, and Sinag, the semen donor who resides at the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC).
The hatching marks a historic first for the NBBS, occurring just months after its operations started.
