SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group have coordinated the proper handling of four rescued exotic tarantulas in Olongapo City, Zambales, the DENR said.

Edward Sernadilla, head of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Olongapo City, said the Maritime Police Station turned over the tarantulas to the DENR for proper handling and disposition.

The rescued arachnids included a Chaco golden knee tarantula, a Mexican flame tarantula, a Mexican fireleg tarantula and a curly hair tarantula.

Sernadilla said the DENR completed the required documentation before transferring the animals to the Wildlife in Need Rescue Center for examination, care and safekeeping pending their disposition.

Marife Castillo, DENR Zambales provincial head, said the turnover underscored the importance of interagency cooperation in enforcing wildlife protection laws and ensuring the welfare of rescued animals.

“Our continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies strengthens wildlife protection efforts and ensures that rescued animals are handled in accordance with established protocols,” Castillo said.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo commended the PNP Maritime Group for its prompt coordination with the agency.

“We thank the PNP Maritime Group for ensuring that these rescued animals were immediately turned over to the proper authorities. Wildlife protection is a shared responsibility,” Pablo said.

Pablo also urged the public to report rescued or confiscated wildlife to the DENR instead of keeping, transporting or releasing the animals without proper authority.

“Exotic wildlife requires proper handling and assessment,” he said.

The DENR said the possession, transport and trade of wildlife are regulated under Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. It urged the public to report rescued or confiscated wildlife to the nearest DENR office or other authorized wildlife authorities.

The four tarantulas will remain at the Wildlife in Need Rescue Center in Subic Bay Freeport while wildlife authorities evaluate the animals and determine their appropriate disposition.

📸 DENR Central Luzon