Riley, the Philippine eagle who was only three months old, has passed away. According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), Riley died on April 15, and necropsy results are still awaited to determine the exact cause.
Riley is the son of Dakila and Sinag, and was born on January 16. PEF considered Riley's birth a big achievement because it was the first documented natural hatching without human assistance.
Although his life was short, PEF said that Riley was an inspiration and a symbol of hope for the critically endangered Philippine eagle. Each of his milestones was special to those who care about nature.
Riley was last updated on April 1, where he is slowly spreading his wings. The Philippine eagle is known for having the widest wingspan among raptors, which can cost nearly ₱2.5 million just for proper conservation, food, and medical care.
Riley is part of PEF's breeding program, which uses artificial insemination and natural pairing to increase the number of eagles on the brink of extinction. Efforts are ongoing to protect future eaglets.
