2 more Philippine eagles released into Leyte forests

Male raptor Kalatungan 1 prepares to fly into a forest in Burauen, Leyte on Thursday. JOSELLE R. BADILLA

BURAUEN, Leyte — The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) on Thursday released two more Philippine eagles into the Anonang-Lobi mountain range in a continued effort to repopulate the critically endangered species in the province.

Kalatungan I, a 3-year-old male eagle, was the first to soar out of a 10-by-10-foot hack cage at 9:32 a.m. Friday. The second eagle, an 11-year-old female named Lyra Sinabadan, followed at 10:37 a.m., more than an hour later.

Both birds were rescued in Bukidnon and arrived in Burauen on March 21. They are part of a broader initiative to reintroduce the national bird into Leyte’s forests.

Conservationists made history first on June 28, 2024, by releasing a pair of Philippine eagles into the area. Kalatungan I and Lyra Sinabadan are the second mated pair to be released under the program.

The eagles underwent a medical checkup Tuesday night near their hack cage. They were declared fit for release by veterinarian Sheen Erica Gadong.

Kalatungan I, Lyra Sinabadan, and another male eagle named Lakpue made an 18-hour land trip from Davao City to Leyte on March 21 as part of the ongoing Philippine eagle reintroduction effort.

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READ: PH eagles Lakpue, Lyra Sinabadan, Kalatungan taken to Mahagnao, Leyte