Eagle sanctuary closes due to bird flu scare

DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), a non-profit organization whose advocacy is the protection and breeding of Philippine Eagles and other raptors, has announced it will be temporarily closing its facility to protect the birds inside facility in Malagos.

"The Philippine Eagle Foundation announces the temporary closure of the Philippine Eagle Center on August 15-16, due to the avian flu outbreak which poses a grave threat to the Philippine eagle population," the PEF said in a statement released Monday afternoon.

According to the team, the facility needed to set up "necessary emergency measures and ensure the safety of our Philippine eagle and other raptors in the facility."

The Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) is an 8.4-hectare area located at the foothills of Mt. Apo in Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City and situated within the Malagos Watershed.

The Philippine Eagle Center primarily operates as a conservation breeding facility for the critically endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) and other birds of prey, its official website said.

There are seven Philippine Eagles being kept at the facility, while the rest are in isolation for research and conservation purposes.

The PEF, meanwhile, said it was not yet sure how long the facility would be closed.

"We have yet to establish if this will be extended," the PEF said.