DENR Eastern Visayas notes rise in number of rescued wildlife

PALO, Leyte, Oct. 23 (PNA) -- The number of recovered wildlife has increased significantly this year following the opening of a rescue center here, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported.

From only five rescued animals in the previous years, the number rose to 40 this year.

The rescue center, which opened on March 3, 2016, is intended to house wildlife species. The facility, located in Cadahug village, this town, is also open to educational tours and family trips. .

DENR assistant regional director Carlito Tuballa said more wildlife have been found in communities in search for food or destruction of their natural habitats.

“After rescue, our personnel check the health condition of these animals before releasing them back to the wild,” Tuballa told the Philippines News Agency.

DENR development management officer Winston N. Solite said the increase in number of turned over animals indicates heightened public awareness on the value of preserving wildlife.

Pythons dominate among rescued species. Recently, 15 pythons were confiscated from the house of alleged top drug lord Kerwin Espinosa in Albuera, Leyte.

“The number of animals being surrendered here is increasing. Most of them are pythons, I don’t know why, but maybe because of the rainy season,” Solite added.

Rescue center provides quarantine and care to the animals, depending on its health condition.

With the help of a veterinarian, the center’s caretaker monitors the condition of each animal daily.

Animals with stable health conditions are then being released back to their natural habitat, preferably in protected areas of the region.

A seagull and three pythons were released in Mahagnao Natural Parkin Burauen, Leyte ; two pythons in Lake Danao, Ormoc City; two owls in Babatngon, Leyte and two pythons in ] Barugo, Leyte.

On Friday, the DENR released five pythons, two lizards, six parrots within the Samar Island Natural Park in Hinabangan town. (PNA)
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