Rescued, captive-bred PH eagles undergo health check
DAVAO CITY—A total of 18 captive-bred and rescued Philippine eagles underwent thorough physical checkups at the Philippine Eagle Center.
The annual examinations, which began last Feb. 18 and lasted two nights, included blood work and other laboratory tests. The physical checkup is a routine procedure for the critically endangered raptors to ensure they are in good health.
In addition to medical tests, the eagles also underwent grooming, with technicians coping (trimming) their beaks.
The procedures, performed by volunteer veterinarians, begin at around 7 p.m. and last for about three hours. They are conducted at night, when the eagles are more likely to be resting and are easier to handle.
Each raptor is fitted with a hood to help keep it calm throughout the rigorous process.
“For the Philippine eagle, annual physical checkups are essential. While our keepers observe them daily, only a full medical exam—including blood and laboratory tests—can truly confirm they are healthy,” Jayson Ibanez, director for operations of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, told the Inquirer.
