Philippine eagle Pag-asa passed away on Wednesday, January 6, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) announced.
The eagle succumbed to infections associated with Trichomoniasis and Aspergillosis, both diseases known to be fatal for raptors.
Considered a conservation icon, Pag-asa was the first Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) bred and hatched in captivity through artificial insemination. His birth and 28 years of existence were considered “the culmination of 14 years worth of research.” He would have turned 29 years old this January 15.
Aptly named Pag-asa or “hope” in English, the eagle inspired the development and continuation of the conservation mission of the critically endangered species.
“Pag-asa lived his life as an icon of hope for Filipinos, young and old, and was a constant inspiration to the people working tirelessly to save our National Bird from extinction,” said PEF in a statement. — Rappler.com
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