In a significant boost for conservation efforts, a Philippine Eagle chick was successfully hatched at the National Bird Breeding Sanctuary (NBBS) in Davao City on November 11, 2024. The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) celebrated the event as a landmark achievement for the sanctuary, which had only recently begun operations. The chick, named #30, was the result of artificial insemination, with the mother, Pinpin, incubating the egg for the initial seven days. The father, Sinag, who resides at the Philippine Eagle Center, contributed the semen for the procedure. The successful hatching of Chick #30 is a testament to the dedication of PEF in safeguarding the future of this critically endangered species. Domingo Tadena, the facility manager and a conservation breeding expert at PEF, highlighted the importance of the ‘help out’ method used during the 56-day incubation period to prevent the chick from suffocating due to carbon dioxide buildup. Tadena emphasized that this successful hatching at NBBS symbolizes hope for the Philippine Eagle’s conservation amidst ongoing threats like habitat loss and poaching. The sanctuary aims to provide a safe haven for the development of the chick, supporting long-term recovery efforts for the national bird of the Philippines.
