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First Philippine Eagle Hatched Unassisted Dies

First Philippine Eagle Hatched Unassisted Dies
The Philippine Eagle Foundation welcomed the hatching of Chick 31, who was named Riley as she emerged from her shell on Jan. 16, 2025 without human intervention. Photo from the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s Facebook page

Riley, the first Philippine Eagle that hatched without human intervention early this year, has died, according to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Riley. Although the eaglet’s time with us was short, Riley captured hearts and inspired hope,” the PEF said in a post on Facebook on Wednesday, April 16.

“Riley was a powerful symbol for his species’ conservation – from hatch day to every milestone along the way,” the foundation said.

The PEF has yet to disclose the cause of the eaglet’s death.

“A full necropsy is being conducted to help us better understand this loss,” it said.

Riley, offspring of eagles Sinag and Dakila, made history on Jan. 16 when it became the first Philippine Eaglet to hatch unassisted.

The hatching marked a significant milestone for the PEF, which has dedicated almost 40 years to conservation efforts.