PHOTO from PHILIPPINE EAGLE FOUNDATION
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is adopting a month-old Philippine eaglet to help save the endangered species.
Known as Chick 26, the eaglet hatched on December 7, 2015 at the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City. To celebrate the eaglet’s first month, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) is partnering with PAL to be Chick 26’s adoptor for the next six years.
PAL is donating one (1) million Mabuhay Miles to support the foundation’s mission of spreading awareness to save the Philippine Eagle and protect its forest habitat.
“Philippine Airlines is committed to help promote the Philippine Eagle’s survival and to ensure protection of its natural habitat. We thank loyal PAL passengers for their generous support in donating unused flight miles to add to our ‘Miles for a Mission’ project. Indeed, they have shown the genuine heart of the Filipino,” said PAL president and COO Jaime Bautista.
Following its successful partnership with PAL, PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador hopes that other organizations and individuals would continue to support PEF’s programs to spread public awareness and understanding on the importance of conservation work.
“We thank Philippine Airlines for lending a hand in this noble cause. Having the nation’s flag carrier on our side helps advance our mission to save our national bird. May others do the same,” he added.
As adoptor of Chick 26, PAL was given the naming rights for the month-old eaglet. The flag carrier will launch an internal name search, gather suggestions from PAL employees, and choose the best name for the young bird.
PEF curator Anna Mae Sumaya said Chick 26 is in good health, is eagerly feeding and always wants more of its ration. “We only give food quantities appropriate for the chick’s age to ensure a normal diet. The eaglet is given 80 grams of ground quail meat, liver and bones per feeding thrice a day,” she said.
Chick 26 is currently tended in an air-conditioned room which simulates conditions in the wild. Its handlers say this is important especially since the chick’s down feathers are starting to thicken and develop. The eaglet will soon be transferred to an isolated area for ‘mentoring’. While there, it can observe the activities of an adult eagle so it can properly imbibe the characteristics of its species.