𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬, 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫

𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐀𝐍 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎, 𝐏𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚 — Prompt action by local government environment personnel, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), led to the rescue of an endangered Brown Booby (𝘚𝘶𝘭𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘤𝘰𝘨𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳) in Cabangan, Zambales.

Edward Sernadilla, head of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Olongapo City, reported that the seabird was found along the coast of Cabangan and initially secured by the town’s Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).

“MENRO Cabangan coordinated with CENRO Olongapo City to facilitate the proper turnover of the bird and ensure immediate intervention. We then arranged its transfer to the Wildlife in Action Rescue Center within the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA),” Sernadilla said.

Wildlife personnel and veterinarians at the facility assessed the bird’s condition and provided the necessary medical care to stabilize it ahead of rehabilitation and possible release into its natural habitat.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo commended the prompt response of local authorities and underscored the importance of cooperation among government agencies and communities in protecting wildlife.

“The rescue highlights the role of local government units and communities in reporting wildlife emergencies, enabling trained personnel to provide appropriate care to injured or distressed animals,” Pablo said.

The Brown Booby (𝘚𝘶𝘭𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘤𝘰𝘨𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳) is classified as an endangered species under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, or the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and Their Categories. It is also protected under Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

The DENR reminds the public to report stranded, injured, or distressed wildlife immediately to their local environment offices for proper assessment and handling. The public is also advised against handling wild animals without guidance from trained personnel to prevent further injury and ensure public safety.