Following the passing of Philippine Eagle “Geothermica”, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) will still send out Philippine Eagles abroad to ensure the survival of the endangered birds.
Geothermica was sent to Singapore in 2019 for a breeding program and passed away on September 7, 2023 due to lung infection.
“Yes, we should still send out the species abroad to ensure that the species continue to survive over the long term specially with the threat of zoonotic diseases. Already, avian influenza is at our doorsteps,” Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) executive director Dennis Salvador told Edge Davao.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve where Geothermica was sent, shared in a statement that on September 6, 2023, Geo was admitted to the avian hospital in Bird Paradise after his care team observed that he was not feeding well, and initial blood tests indicated that he was fighting an infection.
“In the ward at the Avian Health and Research Centre, Geo was closely watched by Mandai Wildlife Group’s veterinary healthcare and avian team who were in close contact with the Philippine Eagle Foundation on his treatment plan,” it said.
Salvador said Mandai did everything to save Geo.
“The SG (Singapore) people did all they could to save Geo. They had not paired and bred Geo before he passed away only underscores the fact that this species is truly difficult to breed in captivity. Remember that we are dealing with organisms with their peculiar behaviors and traits. Like any other living thing, they are susceptible to diseases, accidents, and other threats that impact our ability to survive,” he said.
These threats are also the reason why PEF is trying to relocate more eagles out of Malagos in Calinan District where the center is currently situated and built an alternate facility in Barangay Eden, Toril District.
The plan of transferring the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) to a permanent relocation in a 50-hectare property of the city government of Davao in Barangay Eden started last year due to threats brought by the Avian Influenza following the Avian Flu infection in Magsaysay town in Davao del Sur, which is 90 kilometers away from the center.
“The lessons of Covid-19 shouldn’t be lost on us. If anything, the pandemic has underscored the need for not only for vigilance but to be proactive and ensure that we manage the risk of chance events,” Salvador said.
Meanwhile, PEF is still awaiting a letter from the Singaporean government if a replacement for Geothermica shall be sent to the said country.
