The Philippine Eagle or also referred to as the monkey eating eagle is the Philippine?s national bird. It is known to be one of the world?s most powerful bird but also the rarest. Today, there about 300 remaining in the wild and 36 are sheltered in the Philippine Eagle center. This is because of massive deforestation in the mountains of Mindanao as well as poaching. Last October, an eagle which was released two years ago named ?Minalwang? was shot twice leaving it dead in Gingoog city in Mindanao.

With the increasing threats to the Philippine eagle, there is an urgent need for us humans to work together in saving these majestic species. There are definitely many ways to help. It can be through financial contribution, volunteer work or simply raising awareness through the internet. One of the pillars of these conservation efforts is the Philippine Eagle Foundation based in Davao City.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation is a non-government foundation engaged in saving the Philippine Eagle from extinction. Organized in 1987, the foundation performs direct conservation actions which include research, community-based conservation, conservation breeding, and education. You can check out their website in this link and you can learn more of how you can donate or volunteer.

The foundation also welcomes visitors in their Philippine Eagle Center which houses about 36 Philippine Eagles, 18 of which are captive-bred. It also houses 10 other species of birds, 4 species of mammals and 2 species of reptiles. The center is located in the outskirts of Davao city which is rich in flora and fauna, capable of simulating the natural rainforest habitat of the Philippine eagle. The center is just an hour away from downtown Davao and entrance only costs 50 pesos (1 USD).

I do hope you can have a chance to visit the center or if not, simply help out in the conservation efforts in any way you can. Thank you for reading!