The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) marked its 38th anniversary with the introduction of Chick 31, affectionately named Riley, born to parents Dakila and Sinag. The announcement came on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, highlighting a significant achievement in the foundation’s conservation efforts.
Riley, born on January 16 at the National Bird Breeding Sanctuary in Barangay Eden, Toril district, Davao City, is the product of a cooperative artificial insemination program. This method, which involves collecting and preserving semen from a male eagle (Sinag) and manually inseminating a female eagle (Dakila) under controlled conditions, aims to enhance genetic diversity and boost reproductive success.
The arrival of Riley is a beacon of hope for the PEF’s conservation breeding program, especially after the unfortunate loss of Chick 30, which succumbed 17 days after its birth in November 2024. The successful birth of Riley underscores the advancements in PEF’s breeding techniques and symbolizes optimism for the future of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle.
Currently, Riley is under constant care at the sanctuary, with PEF staff diligently monitoring its growth and development. The Eagle Cement Corporation has stepped forward to adopt Riley, offering support for the chick’s care and contributing to the foundation’s broader conservation initiatives.
The PEF remains at the forefront of efforts to prevent the extinction of the Philippine Eagle, one of the world’s rarest and most formidable birds of prey.