Thousands of Filipinos mourning the death of rescued Philippine eagle Sawaga-Dalwangan are now calling for stronger wildlife protection and justice against those responsible for her shooting.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) confirmed that the eagle died on the morning of July 18 after suddenly suffering severe seizures, despite immediate and intensive efforts by veterinarians to save her.
Sawaga-Dalwangan had become a symbol of hope after she was rescued with pellet gun injuries, with many Filipinos closely following her recovery. Her unexpected death quickly sparked grief and outrage on social media.
Many netizens urged authorities to identify and prosecute those who shot the critically endangered bird while pushing for stronger protection of Philippine eagle habitats.
"I hope those who shot her with pellets will be caught and brought to justice," one supporter wrote, while others called for more forest rangers, tougher law enforcement, and wider environmental education in communities near eagle habitats.
The foundation said a preliminary necropsy found no signs of new external injuries or active internal bleeding, suggesting the eagle remained safe while under medical care.
However, veterinarians discovered several abnormal findings, including an unusually thickened heart muscle, an enlarged liver, and a stomach filled with a large mass of compacted prey fur. The team stressed that these findings do not yet determine the exact cause of death.
Tissue samples have been collected for laboratory and microscopic examination to establish the definitive cause.
PEF thanked the communities, government agencies, veterinarians, and supporters who helped rescue and care for Sawaga-Dalwangan.
"We understand that many people followed Sawaga-Dalwangan's recovery and shared our hope that she would survive," the foundation said.
The organization said her death should serve as a wake-up call to strengthen efforts against the illegal shooting, trapping, and killing of wildlife.
"Her death is a painful reminder of the serious threats Philippine Eagles continue to face and of the importance of preventing shooting, trapping, and other harm to wildlife," the foundation said.
Sawaga-Dalwangan's death has transformed what began as a story of hope into a renewed public demand to better protect the country's national bird and the remaining Philippine eagles in the wild. (Dave Achondo, Editorial Associate)
