PH Serpent Eagle rescued in Kidapawan City

A Philippine Serpent Eagle has been rescued in Sitio Lapan, Barangay Perez in Kidapawan City, Cotabato.

The Eagle was discovered by a resident in a rubber plantation on August 4, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Soccsksargen said.

According to DENR Soccsksargen, the resident immediately turned over the eagle to a barangay official. The bird was later retrieved by the Protected Area Management Office–Mt. Apo Natural Park the following day.

Although the eagle did not suffer any severe injuries, veterinarians observed that it is weak.

"Matapos ang paunang pagsusuri, inilipat ito sa Temporary Wildlife Rescue Shelter ng PENRO Cotabato sa Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City kung saan patuloy itong aalagaan at babantayan hanggang sa tuluyang gumaling at maging handa sa posibleng pagbabalik sa natural nitong tirahan," the DENR Soccsksargen said.

(After an initial evaluation, it was transferred to PENRO Cotabato's Temporary Wildlife Rescue Shelter in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City, where it will continue to be cared for and monitored until it fully recovers and is ready for potential release back into its natural habitat.)

Authorities warned the public that keeping or maintaining wildlife as pets is prohibited under Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, unless authorized by the proper permit.

The public is also encouraged to immediately report any animal found stray, injured, or outside its natural habitat to the nearest DENR office or local government unit so that proper response and care can be provided. —VAL, GMA News