OLONGAPO CITY — Prompt action by local environmental personnel, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), led to the rescue of an endangered Brown Booby (𝘚𝘶𝘭𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘤𝘰𝘨𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳) in Cabangan, Zambales.

Edward Sernadilla, head of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in this city, said the seabird was found weakened along the coast and initially secured by the town’s Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).

“MENRO Cabangan coordinated with CENRO Olongapo City to facilitate the proper turnover of the bird and ensure immediate intervention,” Sernadilla said. “We then arranged its transfer to the Wildlife in Action (WIN) Rescue Center in the Subic Bay Freeport.”

Wildlife personnel and veterinarians at the facility assessed the bird’s condition and provided the medical care needed to stabilize it ahead of rehabilitation and possible release into its natural habitat.

The Brown Booby is a large, pantropical seabird belonging to the booby and gannet family, Sulidae. It is known for its remarkable diving skills and spends most of its life foraging over coastal and offshore tropical waters.

The DENR said the seabird is classified as an endangered species under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, or the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and Their Categories. It is also protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo commended the local authorities’ prompt response and underscored the importance of cooperation among agencies and communities in protecting wildlife.

“The rescue highlights the role of local government units and communities in reporting wildlife emergencies, enabling trained personnel to provide appropriate care to injured or distressed animals,” Pablo said.

Pablo also reminded the public to report stranded, injured, or distressed wildlife immediately to local environment offices for proper assessment and handling.

He also advised against handling wild animals without guidance from trained personnel to prevent further injury and ensure public safety. ▲