DENR E. Visayas notes rise in number of rescued wildlife

THE number of recovered wildlife has increased significantly this year following the opening of a rescue center here, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported.

From only five rescued animals in the previous years, the number rose to 40 this year.

The rescue center, which opened on March 3, 2016, is intended to house wildlife species.

The facility, located in Cadahug village, this town, is also open to educational tours and family trips. DENR assistant regional director Carlito Tuballa said more wildlife have been found in communities in search for food or destruction of their natural habitats.

“After rescue, our personnel check the health condition of these animals before releasing them back to the wild,” Tuballa told the Philippines News Agency.

Heightened awareness

DENR development management officer Winston N. Solite said the increase in number of turned over animals indicates heightened public awareness on the value of preserving wildlife.

Pythons dominate among rescued species. Recently, 15 pythons were confiscated from the house of alleged top drug lord Kerwin Espinosa in Albuera, Leyte.