Makati adopts 2 night herons

Instead of adopting politicians or boxing champions, the government of Makati opted to take in two herons that will now be cared for by the city, which is trying to make a bird sanctuary out of a park by the river.

Two black-crowned night herons recently rescued by the Parks and Wildlife Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-PAWB) will soon be bonafide residents of the city.

Mayor Jejomar Binay said the herons will be housed at the city-owned Makati Park and Garden located beside the Pasig River.

"The adoption of the herons underscores the city government’s thrust of protecting the environment and wildlife for posterity and the enjoyment of the coming generations," Binay said.

At present, the herons are still in the custody of DENR-PAWB, pending the acquisition of transport permits that will allow their transfer to their new home.

Once officially turned over to Makati’s custody, the city government will shoulder all expenses in providing for the needs of the herons.

Binay said he has directed city veterinarian Ma. Vivien Manalastas and the caretakers of the Makati Park and Garden to provide proper care, including veterinary support, for them.

He also ordered the city veterinarian to make a quarterly report on the status of the adopted herons, copies of which will be furnished to him and to the DENR-PAWB.

The Makati Park and Garden is fast becoming a bird sanctuary in Metro Manila which recently hosted the launching of the Bird Watcher’s Club of Makati in an effort to encourage residents to protect birds in the city.

The City Council has passed Ordinance 2005-053 in order to officially declare the country’s financial capital as a bird sanctuary and make the preservation of wild birds and their natural habitat in Makati City a strictly enforced law.

Nycticorax nycticorax, is the most widespread heron in the world. It is most active at dusk and at night and lives in various wetland habitats freshwater marshes, swamps, streams, lakes, and agricultural fields.The black-crowned night heron feeds on invertebrates, fish, amphibians, lizards, snakes and rodents.