Paoay: Four rescued Brahminy Kites were released back into the wild at the Paoay Lake Natural Park on Tuesday. The release of "Salaknib," "Bagting," "Raniag," and "Bannawag" was in line with the celebration of the 2025 World Wildlife Day (WWD).
According to Philippines News Agency, Forester Rhoel Marcelo, an ecosystem management specialist at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Ilocos Norte, stated that the celebration aims "to instill awareness on wildlife protection and preservation." The event was led by Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Angelo Barba, along with Paoay Mayor Shiella Galano and members of the Protected Area Management Board. Other stakeholders included representatives of Fort Ilocandia Resort's Wildlife Rescue Center, which cared for the birds prior to their release.
"As these kites take to the sky, let them remind us of the boundless beauty of nature and our duty to protect it. May their flight inspire us all to rise to the challenge of conservation, ensuring that the skies remain filled with their graceful presence for generations to come," Barba expressed during the event.
The release of the Brahminy Kites moved some spectators emotionally, including Missy Karell Pascua, a third-year BS biology student at Mariano Marcos State University. "I'm on the verge of crying when I saw the birds fly into their natural habitat. It means they are okay and finally free!" Pascua shared.
Another attendee, Izzy Abalos, an on-the-job trainee at DENR-Ilocos Norte, mentioned it was her first time touching a Brahminy Kite, locally known as "Kali." She expressed happiness about the wildlife awareness and preservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of not harming these birds due to their role in the ecosystem.
This year's World Wildlife Day theme is "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet." The DENR confirmed that the four Brahminy Kites were freed after an assessment and evaluation deemed them fit for release into the wild. Initially, five kites were set to be released, but one remains at the Wildlife Rescue Center due to being unfit to fly.
The Brahminy Kites were rescued by personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Nueva Era, Paoay, and Laoag.
