Julia Lynne Allong, Dominic Tadena and Jayson Ibanez, PhD
On August 31, 2024, a team from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), consisting of Senior Animal Keeper Dominic Tadena and Biologist Julia Lynne Allong, received a report of a wounded male juvenile Philippine Eagle from personnel of the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of Mt. Kalatungan Mountain Range and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Valencia and the Community Environment and Natural Office (DENR-CENRO) in Valencia City, Bukidnon. The young eagle weighed 3.1 kg and was rescued by Bantay Lasang Volunteers from the Bagalbal forest of the Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park in Valencia City.
Wounded Philippine Eagle Kalatungan II rescued from the forest floor of Bagalbal forest at Mt. Kalatungan, Valencia, Bukidnon by Bantay Lasang volunteers (Photos by Ruen Tumana)
The young eagle was first spotted perching on a tree at 9:36 AM by members of the Bantay Lasang Volunteers who were doing their regular foot patrols within the Bagalbal Forest area. The bird was making loud calls, apparently begging for food from its parents, which caught the attention of the patrollers. The volunteers took photos and promptly reported the sighting to Ms. Debrah Lao of City ENRO Valencia and staff of DENR CENRO Valencia through the Barangay LGU of Guinoyuran. After confirming the bird’s identity as a Philippine Eagle through the photographs, the group immediately proceeded at the location and arrived there around noon. Meanwhile, the volunteer team caught and restrained the eagle from the ground.
While in transit, the composite rescue team was already in contact with the PEF. The latter provided guidance on the proper handling and restraint procedures to avoid further injuries and stress on the bird. The PEF team left the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City at 11:38 AM to assist in the eagle rescue.
Bantay Lasang Volunteers covered the eyes of Philippine Eagle Kalatungan II with a sock as an improvised hood, and wrapped it sbody with a cloth before transport by motorcycle from Mt. Kalatungan (Photo by Ruen Tumana)
When the DENR and LGU Valencia City team arrived at Brgy. Guinoyuran, the eagle was already held and secured by the staff of the Mt. Kalatungan PAMO. To minimize stress, the team carefully restrained the bird by wrapping cloth around its body and covering its eyes with a sock as an improvised hood as advised by PEF. The eagle was then transported initially on board a motorcycle, and later transferred to a rescue vehicle to a veterinary clinic (KJT Veterinary Services) in downtown Valencia City for emergency treatment. The rescue crew with the bird arrived at the clinic at 1:00 PM.
Drenching PE Kalatungan with a recovery diet meal mixed with sodium chloride solution
Dr. Cynthia Fregwelj Tabaco, veterinarian at the clinic, attended to the open wound at the bird’s left wing with remote guidance from PEF Vet Consultant Dr Bayani Vandenbroeck via SMS. While waiting for the arrival of the PEF team, Dr. Tabaco applied a wound spray, disinfected the injury, and administered 0.7 mL of Enrofloxacin.
Based on the appearance and state of the wound, it is estimated that the bird got its injury 1-2 days before it was discovered by the Bantay Kalasan team. The bird also appeared dehydrated and emaciated. To stabilize the bird’s condition and aid in its recovery, Dr Tabaco administered 0.9% saline solution of subcutaneous IV fluids on the bird.
At 2:19 PM, the PEF team arrived at the clinic. After a brief huddle and consultation with the rescue team, PEF’s Dominic Tadena further inspected the bird and found out that the bird’s crop was also empty, which suggests that it was already starving. As first aid, the bird was given 23 mL of recovery diet meal mixed with sodium chloride solution orally. Based on the nature of the bird’s feathers, leg color and overall appearance, and the timing of breeding among Philippine Eagles on Mindanao Island breeding, the bird’s age was estimated at 6-7 months old. At this age, the bird has just begun flying out of its nest and is still learning how to fly long distances.
Philippine Eagle Kalatungan II restrained with an elastic bandage, raptor hood, and masking tape, as it was being prepared for transport to Davao City for further medication
All standard first aid procedures were undertaken at the clinic to stabilize the condition of the bird and prepare it for its journey to Davao City. After wrapping the bird’s body with an elastic bandage, putting on a leather hood to cover its eyes, and securing its beak and talons with masking tape—standard restraint procedures to calm the bird and reduce stress during transport - the PEF team transported the bird to Davao City for further examination and treatment.
PEF Biologist Julia Allong and PEF Senior Animal Keeper Dominic Tadena prepare the eagle for examination at Doc Bayani's Animal Wellness Center
At 6:23 PM, the team arrived at Doc Bayani's Animal Wellness Center (DBAWC) in Maa, Davao City. Upon further examination, the bird’s wing injury was already necrotic and might progress to sepsis. With the wound already at a critical stage, PEF Veterinary Consultants Dr VandenBroeck and Dr Sheen Gadong decided to amputate the wing.
PE Kalatungan II under general anesthesia on the surgery table with a ventilator attached to its airway. B. X-ray of the left wing showing the broken and shattered wing bones (Radius-ulna)
Prior to the surgery, the bird was thoroughly examined for any other wounds or injuries. X-ray results confirmed that the bones of the left wing (radius-ulna) were broken and shattered. However, no bullets, pellets or foreign objects were detected. Ectoparasites were also found on the bird’s feathers. Standard blood tests were also undertaken.
At 7:44 PM, anesthesia was administered, and the wound and wing region were cleaned in preparation for the procedure. Around 8:00 PM, the surgery, together with the team led by Dr. Bayani Vandenbroeck and Dr. Sheena Erica Gadong, began.
Left wing of PE Kalatungan II to be amputated
Surgery headed by Dr. Bayani Vandenbroeck and Dr, SheenErica Gadong at DBAWC
After surgery of the amputated wing of PE Kalatungan II
The operation was successfully completed by around 9:30 PM, and the bird was left in the care of Doc Bayani's Animal Wellness Center for recovery. After the bird stabilized from surgery, it was placed inside a holding cage at the clinic. Its recovery diet includes liquid food via feeding tube plus vitamins and subcutaneous fluids. Once positive signs of recovery are seen, the bird will be transferred to the quarantine facility at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Davao City.
As of this writing, the CENRO-DENR Valencia and Mt Kalatungan PAMO teams are doing a thorough probe of the incident. The wound and shattered wing bone might suggest a hard fall accident as the young eagle is still starting to learn how to fly. However, the multiple fracture wound strongly suggests blunt force trauma caused by shooting too. An investigation team involving representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police is also being planned.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Rosevilla Y. Gariando of Mt. Kalatungan Natural Park for promptly informing us about the wounded Philippine Eagle. We also appreciate the quick response of the Bantay Lasang Volunteers of Mt. Kalatungan, including Joselito Pingol, Jonathan Pingol, Ruen Tumana, and Neljean Aguilar from PAMO Mt. Kalatungan, Valencia City. Our heartfelt thanks go to Jo Victoria Kristy R. Cruz, FT I, VenliJohn R. Adonis, FR, Evenezer G. Alcover, FT II, Jetmark A. Leona, FR, and Deputy Forester Noli Vistal of DENR CENRO Valencia. We are also grateful to Nico F. Ricablanca, Driver, and Zorabel May Ramos, Deputy Protected Area Superintendent of DENR City ENRO Valencia. We sincerely appreciate the invaluable assistance provided by Dr. Cynthia Tabaco, Dr. Maria Fe B. Catalon, Karl Andre A. Loroya of KJT Veterinary Services, Dr. Bayani Vandenbroeck, Dr. Sheena Erica Gadong, Dr. Stephanie Sanayan, Vet Tech Maria Lylla Casas, and the dedicated staff of Doc Bayani Animal Wellness Clinic in the recovery of Kalatungan II.
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