PH eaglet ‘Riley’ died of metabolic bone disease, says PEF
Three-month-old Philippine eaglet named ‘Riley.’ (Photo from Philippine Eagle Foundation/Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines — A necropsy revealed that a Philippine eaglet named “Riley” died from bone disease, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) said on Thursday.
PEF shared this development after announcing Riley’s passing. The three-month-old eaglet died on Tuesday.
The PEF said that the bird was observed to be in pain after its right wing drooped last Saturday.
READ: 3-month-old Philippine eaglet ‘Riley’ dies
“X-rays revealed fractures in the wing joint, likely caused by an underlying bone condition that left Riley’s bones fragile,” the PEF said in a statement.
The foundation also noted that Riley’s condition worsened despite receiving proper medical treatment, with the bird developing breathing difficulties and inflammation.
“A necropsy supported the findings of metabolic bone disease and a possible infection, indicating a compromised immune system,” PEF noted.
The PEF said that Riley’s passing led the foundation to review and strengthen health programs “to protect the species and ensure a better future for the Philippine eagle.”
The eaglet was under PEF’s care, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and saving endangered Philippine eagles.
READ: ‘Uswag’ and his last flight
Riley’s hatching made history as the first documented unassisted natural hatching.
The Philippine eagle is considered as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with only about 400 pairs remaining in the wild.
