Philippine eaglet Riley dies at 3 months old

Metro Manila, Philippines - Riley, a Philippine eagle born just this January, has died, the Philippine Eagle Foundation announced Wednesday, April 16.

“Though the eaglet’s time with us was short, Riley captured hearts and inspired hope—becoming a powerful symbol for his species’ conservation from hatch day to every milestone along the way,” the PEF said in a statement.

Riley 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 PEF is conducting a full necropsy.

The foundation extended its deepest gratitude to its animal keepers, veterinarians, and support staff that took care of Riley, as well as those who followed the eaglet’s journey.

“We hope you continue to stand with us as we strive to secure a future for our national bird,” it said.

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