The Philippine Eagle, one of the world’s rarest and most critically endangered raptors, has found a new home in Singapore, thanks to a collaborative conservation effort between the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the Mandai Wildlife Group.
The Philippine Eagle’s Arrival in Singapore
In 2019, as part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the establishment of Philippines-Singapore bilateral relations, two Philippine Eagles, Geothermica and Sambisig, were transported from the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City to Singapore. This historic event marked the first international Wildlife Loan Agreement for Philippine Eagles, a 10-year renewable conservation breeding loan agreement between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines and Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Group.
Adapting to the New Environment
Image source: Philippine_Eagle
The Philippine Eagles were closely monitored by their keepers from the Foundation and Mandai Wildlife Group’s avian care team to ensure they adapted well to their new surroundings. The team worked tirelessly to provide the eagles with every opportunity to succeed as a breeding pair, with the ultimate goal of returning any future offspring to the Philippines to contribute to the sustainability of the species’ population.
Geothermica’s Passing and Sambisig’s Continued Presence
Sadly, in September 2023, Geothermica, fondly called “Geo,” passed away at the age of 19 due to a severe lung infection that led to a guarded prognosis. Geo’s partner, Sambisig, remains at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, continuing the conservation efforts.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation and Mandai Wildlife Group’s Collaboration
The Philippine Eagle Foundation and the Mandai Wildlife Group have been working closely on this conservation breeding loan agreement since 2019. The Foundation is a fellow member of the IUCN Asian Species Action Partnership (ASAP), an alliance dedicated to protecting critically endangered land and freshwater species in Southeast Asia.
Wildlife Conservation Efforts in Singapore
The Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) supports over 50 wildlife conservation projects through funding, research, supporting local communities, wildlife-human conflict resolution, and capacity-building initiatives, with most projects focusing on Southeast Asian species under threat from habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade.
Commemorating 50 Years of Singapore-Philippines Friendship
In commemoration of 50 years of friendship between Singapore and the Philippines, local residents and Filipino citizens were offered a 50% discount on a pair of full-priced admission tickets to Jurong Bird Park and her sister parks—Night Safari, River Safari, and Singapore Zoo. A portion of the proceeds from all ticket purchases to these parks is channeled into regional wildlife conservation efforts.
The Importance of the Philippine Eagle’s Conservation
The Philippine Eagle is a symbol of national pride for the Philippines and a crucial part of the country’s biodiversity. Its conservation is of utmost importance, not only for the species itself but also for the entire ecosystem it inhabits. The collaboration between the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the Mandai Wildlife Group in Singapore is a testament to the global efforts to protect this magnificent raptor and ensure its survival for generations to come.
Conclusion
The Philippine Eagle’s presence in Singapore is a testament to the power of international cooperation in wildlife conservation. The ongoing efforts by the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the Mandai Wildlife Group to ensure the well-being and potential breeding of these rare raptors are commendable and serve as a model for other conservation initiatives around the world.
References:
– Statement on the Passing of Philippine Eagle Geothermica
– Singapore’s Wildlife Organisation Joins Efforts to Protect One of the World’s Rarest Raptors
– Philippine Eagle in Singapore
– Singapore, Philippines Discuss Sending Replacement Eagle for Geothermica
– Rare Philippine Eagle on Loan to Singapore Dies from Infection
