endangered animals

‘Icon of hope’: Philippine eagle Pag-asa dies at 28

Iya Gozum
‘Icon of hope’: Philippine eagle Pag-asa dies at 28

ICONIC. Pag-asa inspired the conservation mission of Philippine eagles.

Photo courtesy of the Philippine Eagle Foundation

Pag-asa is considered a conservation icon, bred and hatched in captivity through artificial insemination

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. 

8 DAYS OLD. Pag-asa was bred and hatched through artificial insemination, the culmination of 14 years of research.
Photo courtesy of the Philippine Eagle Foundation

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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Iya Gozum

Iya Gozum is a member of Rappler's digital communications team. When off the grid, she’s either a hundred/thousand meters above sea level – or dreaming about it. You may email her at iya.gozum@rappler.com.