30/08/2026
🦅 𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗟𝗗 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗽𝘂𝗲’𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻
Many of you have been following Lakpue’s journey since our last update, when we shared the heartening sight of him drinking from the Marabong River and actively hunting rat snakes, lizards, and palm civets in the wild.
We know how deeply many of you have come to care for this male Philippine Eagle. So we want to share an important development from the field.
On August 16, Lakpue was rescued along the Marabong River in Burauen, Leyte, following an encounter with a domestic dog that resulted in the complete loss of one of his talons.
PEF Veterinarian Danielle Pasion and Senior Animal Keeper Dominic Tadena provided immediate first aid and stabilized Lakpue.
On August 18, he was transported from Burauen to Doc Bayani’s Animal Wellness Clinic in Davao City, where he is now undergoing a thorough medical examination, treatment, and mandatory disease screening under the care of a veterinary team led by Dr. Sheen Gadong.
Following his medical assessment and clearance, Lakpue will be transferred to the Philippine Eagle Center for continued care and rehabilitation.
The loss of a talon is a serious injury for a Philippine Eagle. Talons are essential tools for grasping and subduing prey, and this injury may affect an eagle’s ability to hunt and survive independently in the wild.
But this is not a final verdict on Lakpue’s future.
His rescue does not automatically close the door to the wild.
Our veterinary and rehabilitation teams will give Lakpue the opportunity to recover and will closely assess his agility, balance, strength, coordination, and—most importantly—his ability to hunt and effectively capture and subdue prey despite the permanent loss of his talon.
The fact that Lakpue had been observed actively hunting rat snakes, lizards, and palm civets in the wild is an encouraging part of his story. His rehabilitation will help us determine whether he can continue to perform these critical behaviors effectively despite his injury.
Ultimately, his ability to survive independently—not flight alone—will guide the decision on whether he can return to the wild.
For everyone who has been following Lakpue, we know this is difficult news after seeing him so active along the river.
But this is not the end of Lakpue’s story.
For now, Lakpue is receiving the care he needs, surrounded by people committed to giving him every possible opportunity to recover.
Please continue to root for Lakpue and join us in hoping for the best as he begins this next chapter of his journey. 🦅❤️
We’ll keep you updated as his rehabilitation progresses.