Philippine eaglet Riley died of bone disease

Metro Manila, Philippines - Three-month-old Philippine eagle ”Riley” suffered from bone disease that led to its death, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) said.

The PEF on Thursday evening, April 17, revealed the cause of death after conducting a necropsy on Riley.

The Philippine eagle died on Tuesday at the National Bird Breeding Sanctuary in Davao City.

The foundation said keepers saw that Riley’s right wing had drooped and was in pain on April 12.

“X-rays revealed fractures in the wing joint, likely caused by an underlying bone condition that left Riley’s bones unusually fragile,” the PEF said.

Riley’s condition worsened even with “intensive treatment and supportive care,” developing breathing difficulties and inflammation before the eaglet’s death.

“A necropsy supported the findings of metabolic bone disease and a possible infection, indicating a compromised immune system,” the PEF said.

“While Riley was cared for under the same protocols used for other healthy eagles, Riley’s case has prompted the Foundation to review and strengthen its health and nutrition programs to prevent similar incidents in the future,” it added.

Riley, also called “Chick 31,” was born on Jan. 16 and was the offspring of Sinag and Dakila, which are eagles under the care of PEF.

The eaglet’s hatching was considered a “groundbreaking achievement” because it is the “first-ever documented unassisted natural hatching.”

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) as critically endangered and has flagged its decreasing population.

“Though Riley’s life was short, Riley served as a reminder of the importance of every eagle and the urgency of continued conservation efforts,” the PEF said.

“Riley’s memory will guide renewed efforts to protect the species and ensure a better future for the Philippine eagle,” the organization said.