The first Philippine eagle chick hatched at the new National Bird Breeding Sanctuary (NBBS) in Davao City has died at just 18 days old, according to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).
The male chick, known as Chick 30, passed away on November 29, as confirmed by the foundation in a social media announcement.
“Chick 30, one of our most cherished Philippine Eagle hatchlings, has passed away,” the PEF stated in a post expressing profound sadness.
Chick 30, the offspring of eagles Sinag and Pin-pin, initially exhibited normal behavior and feeding patterns after hatching on November 11.
However, on November 26, the chick began experiencing respiratory distress, including difficulty breathing and sneezing, prompting immediate medical interventions.
The PEF provided oxygen therapy and fluid suctioning, which temporarily stabilized the chick’s condition.
Chick 30’s hatching marked a milestone as the first Philippine eagle born at the NBBS, which only began operations in February 2024.
The loss underscores the challenges of conserving the critically endangered Philippine eagle, considered a national symbol and one of the world’s rarest raptors.