Endangered Philippine hawk-eagle rescued in Olongapo

This Philippine hawk-eagle was rescued on Sunday in Olongapo City after being found in a residential area in Barangay Barreto. Photo by Cpl. Juan Carlos Ventura

OLONGAPO CITY –– Residents here on Sunday rescued an eagle that believed to have escaped from captivity, authorities said.

The animal, said to be an endangered Philippine hawk-eagle, was found inside a compound in Barangay Barretto around 10 a.m.

A resident has turned it over to Cpl. Juan Carlos Ventura of the Olongapo City Police Office for temporary custody before it was taken to the Win Animals Rescue Center inside the Subic Bay Freeport.

Ventura said the eagle, which is about 3-4 years old, could have been kept as a pet since they found it with damaged claws and without a beak.

“The eagle is not weak but appears to be malnourished,” he told the Inquirer.

He said the animal would undergo a 30-day rehabilitation and treatment at the wildlife sanctuary before it is released back into the wild.

The mere possession of the Philippine hawk-eagle is punishable under the Wildlife Conservation Act.

LZB