Necropsy debunks monkey attack tale

The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) on Sunday released an initial necropsy report that casts doubt on claims that Philippine Eagle Sawaga-Dalwangan was injured after being attacked by monkeys before being rescued at the foot of the Mt. Kitanglad Range in Bukidnon.

The report contradicts the account of a 21-year-old indigenous farmer who claimed he found and rescued the eagle after it was attacked by about 30 monkeys. Veterinarians said the bird had likely been immobilized on the ground for several days before its rescue, citing advanced maggot infestation, dehydration and the discovery of two airgun pellets lodged inside its body.

Sawaga-Dalwangan died on 18 July after suddenly suffering seizures despite receiving emergency treatment at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Davao City.

According to the initial necropsy, there was no evidence of fresh external injuries or internal bleeding that would support the reported monkey attack. Instead, veterinarians found a thickened and unusually firm heart, an enlarged liver, and a stomach packed with compacted prey fur.

PEF emphasized that these findings do not yet establish the eagle’s exact cause of death. Tissue samples have been collected for microscopic examination and laboratory analysis, with a consolidated report to be released once all tests are completed.

The veterinary team also noted that the eagle’s dehydration, soiled feathers, damaged plumage, and severe maggot infestation indicated the injuries were not recent and that the bird had been unable to move for several days before it was found.

“The infestation was more extensive than anyone had expected. Larvae were found not only in the wing wounds but also around the base of her tail feathers, around the vent, and inside the lining of the cloaca,” PEF said.

Veterinarians immediately cleaned the wounds, removed maggots, administered pain medication, and provided fluids to treat dehydration. Before her death, Sawaga-Dalwangan had shown encouraging signs of recovery, with healing wounds, improved appetite and hydration, and normal behaviors such as preening.

“We understand that many people followed Sawaga-Dalwangan’s recovery and shared our hope that she would survive,” PEF said. “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.”