Philippine eaglet Riley had metabolic bone disease, necropsy showed

The death of Philippine eaglet Riley has prompted the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) to review their health and nutrition programs following its necropsy results.

According to a statement on Thursday, PEF confirmed that Riley’s right wing drooped and that it seemed to be in pain on April 12, only months after it was hatched on January 16.

X-ray examination showed Riley had fractures in the wing joint that were most likely caused by a bone condition.

While Riley was immediately given treatment and supportive care, it developed breathing difficulties and inflammation before passing away on April 15.

Its necropsy results showed that it had metabolic bone disease and possible infection, possibly caused by a compromised immune system.

While Riley was cared for under the same protocols used for other healthy eagles, Riley’s case has prompted the Foundation to review and strengthen its health and nutrition programs to prevent similar incidents in the future,” the statement read.

“Though Riley’s life was short, Riley served as a reminder of the importance of every eagle and the urgency of continued conservation efforts… Riley’s memory will guide renewed efforts to protect the species and ensure a better future for the Philippine eagle,” it added.

Riley, or Chick No. 31, was noted to be a “groundbreaking achievement” upon hatching as the first-ever documented unassisted natural hatching.

The foundation only has about 400 pairs remaining in the wild, and is considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. –NB, GMA Integrated News