ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, 08 Aug (PIA) — The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) has rescued a ‘serpent eagle’ with an injured left eye in the district of Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.
The serpent eagle belongs to the ‘protected animals’ and has a conservation status of ‘endangered species’ or vulnerable to extinction.
The wounded eagle was rescued after the office received a call from Ernesto Cadelanza, Jr.,a resident of barangay Datagan, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.
Cadelanza informed the wildlife team of CENRO that a bird was in his possession, ready to be turned-over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9. According to him, he rescued the bird from the bee that stung and injured its left eye.
The wildlife team, led by Forest Technician Jaylyn S. Bagacay, described the bird with a 43.31-inch wingspan. It weighs 250 grams and has an apparent injury on its left eye.It was immediately taken to the DENR-9 Regional Wildlife Rescue Center in Baclay, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, for proper observation, medication, and care.
The DENR continues to appeal to the public to refrain from capturing wildlife species and to report to the proper authorities any wildlife in their possession, whether captured or purchased. This is to ensure that animals are rescued and brought into rehabilitation facilities for proper care before being released back to their natural habitat.
Recently, a saltwater crocodile trapped in a fish pen in Barangay Pampang, Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur was also rescued by personnel of CENRO Guipos. The crocodile measures approximately 7.65 feet.
Based on the initial assessment conducted by the team, the wildlife appeared to be stressed but showed no signs of injury. They immediately transported the crocodile to the Wildlife Rescue Center in Baclay, Tukuran for proper care.
After proper check-ups and observation, any wildlife found to be healthy by the official veterinarian shall be freed to its natural habitat. (RVC/CCP/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur with reports and photos from DENR-9)
