PHOTO CREDIT: Philippine Eagle Foundation

The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) has announced the death of Sawaga-Dalwangan, the rescued Philippine eagle that had shown promising signs of recovery while undergoing rehabilitation at the Philippine Eagle Center.

Sawaga-Dalwangan, which was rescued in Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, died on July 18 after suddenly suffering seizures while under veterinary care, ending weeks of intensive treatment that had given conservationists hope for her recovery.

According to the foundation, the critically endangered eagle had been steadily improving after her rescue. Her wounds were healing, she had regained her appetite, was eating on her own, remained well-hydrated, and had begun displaying normal behaviors such as preening and casting food remains—positive signs that her condition was improving.

However, on the morning of July 18, Sawaga-Dalwangan suddenly experienced seizures. Despite immediate emergency intervention by veterinarians, she could not be revived.

An initial necropsy found no evidence of new external injuries or internal bleeding, indicating that no new trauma contributed to her death. Veterinarians, however, observed several significant findings, including a thickened and unusually firm heart, an enlarged liver, and a greatly enlarged stomach containing a large amount of compacted prey fur.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation emphasized that these findings do not yet establish the exact cause of death. Tissue samples have been collected for histopathological examination and further laboratory analysis, with a consolidated veterinary report to be released once all test results have been completed.

Sawaga-Dalwangan's rescue brought together the Daraghuyan community, rescuer Marven Linoy and his companions, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Malaybalay City Government, the Provincial Zoo, veterinary teams, and other conservation partners who worked to save and rehabilitate the eagle.

Despite the tragic outcome, the foundation said the rescue effort was not in vain, adding that the lessons learned from Sawaga-Dalwangan's case will help improve the treatment and rehabilitation of future rescued Philippine eagles.

The Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), the country's national bird, is found only in the Philippines and is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation groups estimate that only a few hundred breeding pairs remain in the wild, with habitat loss, hunting, and other human-related threats continuing to endanger the species.

The foundation said Sawaga-Dalwangan's death also serves as a painful reminder of the dangers Philippine eagles continue to face.

"We share the grief of everyone who followed her journey and hoped for her recovery. Sawaga-Dalwangan’s rescue was not in vain, and the lessons from her case will help improve the care of other Philippine Eagles."

PEF also stressed that the eagle's death underscores the importance of preventing shooting, trapping, and other forms of harm to wildlife, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting and conserving the country's critically endangered national bird.

The foundation said it will release a comprehensive report once all laboratory examinations have been completed to determine Sawaga-Dalwangan's final cause of death.