Rescued Philippine Eagle Dies During Rehab

A rescued Philippine Eagle from Bukidnon died while undergoing rehabilitation in Davao City, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) confirmed on Saturday, July 18.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Philippine Eagle Sawaga-Dalwangan while undergoing rehabilitation at the Philippine Eagle Center,” the foundation said.

According to PEF, the eagle suffered “a sudden medical crisis and could not be revived.”

In an initial necropsy update, the foundation said Sawaga-Dalwangan experienced seizures on Saturday morning.

“Despite immediate emergency intervention, she passed away shortly afterward,” it said.

“The initial examination found no evidence of new external trauma or internal bleeding. However, the veterinarians observed that her heart was thickened and unusually firm, her liver was enlarged, and her stomach was greatly enlarged and contained a large amount of compacted prey fur,” it added.

The PEF said the findings do not yet establish the cause of death, with the eagle’s tissue samples collected for microscopic examination and further laboratory analysis.

Sawaga-Dalwangan was rescued on July 3 after she was found injured from the attacks of several monkeys. 

“When the eagle arrived, it was in an extremely critical condition. Our immediate priority was to treat the serious wing injuries, remove the maggots and stabilize the bird while limiting handling to avoid further stress,” PEF said.

The foundation noted that Sawaga-Dalwangan was showing real signs of improvement during rehabilitation as she became stronger, more alert and began eating on her own.

“We share the grief of everyone who followed her journey and hoped for her recovery,” PEF said. “Sawaga-Dalwangan’s rescue was not in vain and the lessons from her case will help improve the care of other Philippine Eagles.”