Young Philippine Eagle Has Wing Amputated After Possible Shooting
The amputation means he will likely never be released back into the wild.
(SPOT.ph) On August 31, a Philippine Eagle was rescued in the Bagalbal forest of Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park in Bukidnon. The eagle named Kalatungan II was discovered weak and wounded, with severe damage to its left wing that required amputation to save its life.
Although there is a possibility that the bird sustained the injury from a fall as it learned to fly long distances—it was guessed to be only six to seven months old based on appearance—the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) said the “multiple fracture wound strongly suggests blunt force trauma caused by shooting.”
Authorities are looking into forming an investigative team with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to further explore this possibility.
As of 2023, there are an estimated 392 pairs of Philippine Eagles left in the world.
Also read: Rescued Philippine Eagle Dies From Gunshot Wound
What happened to the Philippine Eagle named Kalatugan II in Bukidnon?
According to PEF, Kalatungan II was spotted by Bantay Lasang volunteers during a routine patrol in the forest. Its loud, continuous calls drew the attention of the patrollers, who saw the eagle seemingly begging for food from its parents. Once the bird's identity as a Philippine Eagle was confirmed, a rescue team was sent.
The volunteers managed to restrain the bird using a cloth to wrap its body and a sock as an improvised hood to minimize stress, following guidance from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF). The eagle was then transferred to a rescue vehicle for its journey to a veterinary clinic in Valencia City.
Kalatungan II’s injuries were found to be grave, with shattered bones in its left wing. It was severely underweight with no food in its crop.
“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,” PEF said.
Upon arrival at the Animal Wellness Center in Davao City, further assessments confirmed that Kalatungan II’s wing injury was at risk of sepsis. With no chance of saving the wing, veterinarians decided to amputate.
The eagle was placed under general anesthesia before the amputation procedure began. By 9:30 p.m., Kalatungan II was placed in a recovery cage, where it continues to receive a liquid recovery diet through a feeding tube.
As of writing, Kalatungan II remains in critical condition.
Should the eagle show signs of recovery, PEF said it will be transferred to the quarantine facility at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Davao City, where it can continue to be rehabilitated. However, the amputation means that Kalatungan II will likely never be released back into the wild.
Also read: Philippine Eagle Sent to Singapore to Breed Dies at 19