Philippine Eagle rescued in Bukidnon

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Eagle has been rescued in Pangantucan, Bukidnon.

The eagle was found by a resident in Barangay Nabaliwa on Feb. 24, according to Dennis Salvador, executive director of the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).

The group appealed to Filipinos to help finance the eagle’s rehabilitation.

“The eagle was turned over to the Bantay sa Yutang Kabilin for safekeeping. The BYK contacted us through our partners in the Xavier Science Foundation,” Salvador said.

He said the PEF sent a team of animal experts to examine the eagle.

“X-ray examinations conducted on the eagle at the Doc Bayani’s Animal Wellness Clinic in Davao City showed two air gun pellets inside the bird. The pellets were surgically removed and the eagle is now recovering at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Davao City,” Salvador said.

Experts said the eagle, which was named Kalatungan, could be between 1.5 and two years old.

“The bird’s crop was empty, which indicated it has not eaten for days,” the PEF said.

The group said the pellets were lodged above the  raptor’s right collarbone and thigh.

“The pellets were lodged beneath the skin, and the absence of entry wounds indicate that it was shot a few months ago,” the PEF said.