SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — An endangered Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) found in weakened condition along the coast of Cabangan was rescued by local environment personnel and transferred to a wildlife rescue center for treatment and rehabilitation.

Edward Sernadilla, head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Olongapo City, said the bird was initially secured by the town’s Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), which coordinated with CENRO for its proper turnover and transport.

The seabird was brought to the Wildlife in Action Rescue Center in Subic Bay Freeport, where wildlife personnel and veterinarians assessed its condition and provided medical care to stabilize it.

The bird will undergo rehabilitation, with its possible release into its natural habitat depending on its recovery, Sernadilla said.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the rescue highlighted the role of local government units and communities in reporting cases involving injured or distressed wildlife.

He urged the public to report stranded or injured wild animals to local environment offices so trained personnel can assess and handle them properly.

The Brown Booby is classified as an endangered species under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, which contains the updated national list of threatened Philippine fauna and their conservation categories. It is also protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

The DENR advised the public against handling wild animals without assistance from trained personnel to avoid causing further injury and to ensure public safety. (DENR CL Press Release)