ZAMBOANGA CITY(October 2) — A young South Philippine Hawk-Eagle and a Philippine long-tailed macaque have found their way back to the forest after being rescued, assessed and released in Baliguian, Zamboanga del Norte.
The two juvenile animals were released last week by personnel of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Liloy at a site assessed to provide suitable habitat for their return to the wild.
CENRO technical personnel, with Officer-in-Charge Maribel Acama, conducted health assessments and handling procedures to determine whether the animals were physically fit and ready to survive outside human care.
The release forms part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ continuing wildlife protection efforts, particularly the rescue and return of wild animals that are injured, displaced or illegally kept.
But wildlife protection does not end when an animal is released.
Acama urged residents to leave wild animals in their natural habitat and never keep them as pets, especially young animals that may appear vulnerable or separated from their parents.
Instead, residents who encounter injured, displaced or illegally kept wildlife should report them to environment authorities so trained personnel can assess and handle the animals properly.
For the hawk-eagle and macaque, the journey back to the wild has begun. Keeping them there will depend on protecting their habitat—and giving wildlife the space to remain wild.
