A MATTER OF COMMITMENT

Given the Philippine serpent eagle’s demanding training and expensive maintenance, Nicolas believes that their companion humans must be dedicated and can ensure that they can totally take care of their eagle. “They have to be sure,” she says. This is because once a wild animal becomes used to the presence of humans, it will be undoubtedly difficult to release them back into the wild.

“So, if ever man na may mag-alaga tapos nag-decide na ‘ayaw ko na’, hindi na niya pwedeng pakawalan sa wild kasi it’s either mababaril or mahuhuli din ng ibang tao so pwedeng mamatay (If someone takes care of an eagle and then decides they don’t want to anymore, they can’t release the eagle into the wild because the eagle will probably only get shot or caught by other people, and will most likely die).” Nicolas emphasizes that taking care of an eagle is a lifelong commitment.

Yes, having a pet eagle is astig and is a great conversationstarter. Not a lot of people can say they go home to an eagle every day. But of all the things Nicolas loves about taking care of a Philippine serpent eagle, she considers his kindness the most valuable. “Sobrang swerte lang namin sakanya kasi sobrang bait (We really are so lucky because he’s so nice),” she says. Nicolas explains that it’s an incredibly rewarding feeling to know that she’s taking care of a species whose population is of concern, and she’s taking care of him well. “Syempre yung kahit papaano meron kang mafi-feel na fulfillment if makikita mong okay yung hayop sa care mo and kumakain and nagta-thrive (Of course, you’ll feel a sense of fulfillment from seeing that the animal in your care is okay, is eating, and is thriving).”

Her eagle is currently healthy and free of illness. “As a hobbyist,” she says, that’s all there is to it. All she wants is to see her animals happy and healthy.