A Philippine eagle rescued in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon is now in stable condition eight days after it was turned over to authorities, according to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).
PEF Director of Operations Dr. Jayson Ibañez said the critically endangered eagle, named Sawaga-Dalwangan, survived because of the swift coordination among the foundation, the local community, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The eagle was brought to the Philippine Eagle Center in Barangay Malagos, Davao City, where it received emergency medical treatment.
Dr. Ibañez said the bird was in critical condition when it arrived at the center. It was covered in mud, infested with maggots, severely dehydrated, and suffering from multiple wounds.
PEF veterinarian Dr. Bayani Vandenbroeck said the eagle might not have survived if treatment had been delayed by another 24 to 48 hours.
After eight days of intensive care, the eagle has regained its appetite and has become more alert compared to its condition when it first arrived at the wildlife clinic.
An X-ray examination also revealed two airgun pellets lodged in the eagle’s body, one in its right wing and another in its left thigh.
Veterinarians successfully removed the pellet from the wing. However, the pellet embedded in the thigh remains because it is deeply lodged in the muscle.
The PEF said it will continue monitoring the eagle’s recovery while providing the necessary veterinary care.
Following the discovery of the airgun pellets, Dr. Ibañez called on the provincial government of Bukidnon and other government agencies to strengthen the campaign against the use of pellet guns and continue investigating the incident that left the Philippine eagle injured.
The Philippine eagle is classified as a critically endangered species.
