GEOTHERMICA & SAMBISIG
Geothermica and Sambisig are the pioneering pair of Philippine eagles in an International Wildlife Loan Agreement. The first ever for the species is between the Philippines and Singapore.
what are they up to these days?
One year after their transfer, Geothermica and Sambisig are getting comfortable in their new home at the Jurong Bird Park in Singapore.
They are both healthy and are eating well. They also groom themselves regularly by preening or cleaning their feathers with their beaks. They also like to bask in the sun and even in the rain.
The pair is observed to be getting along better and are often seen perching close to each other.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jurong Bird Park has temporarily closed their facilities to the public, but the birds remain to be safe and well cared for.
geothermica
Geothermica seems to like his personal space neat and tidy and spends most of his time arranging his nest to his liking.
He also likes observing people and buggies that pass by his enclosure from a high vantage point.
Sambisig
Sambisig is a little more feisty than Geothermica and not into housekeeping much. As observed by her keeper, she likes to throw out the majority of her nesting materials.
She also prefers bathing and knocking CCTV cameras out of alignment in her spare time. Like Geothermica, she likes to people watch, but does so perched on the lower beam of her enclosure.
fast facts
Following international protocols, the Philippines is sending captive-bred eagles which are more accustomed to human activities and are said to have more resilience in the face of stressful situations, as opposed to those from the wild.
Geothermica and Sambisig are in the optimal age range for breeding with Geothermica being 15 years old and Sambisig, 17.
When the pairing attempt succeeds, Geothermica and Sambisig will be the only captive-bred natural pair of the Philippine Eagle Center and the first to be loaned abroad.
At the PEC, the eagles were housed at the isolation and rearing room where the keepers can discretely observe the pair. This is crucial in keeping the pairing process undisturbed and making it more conducive for the eagles to bond.
This is the 4th pairing attempt for both birds. Geothermica and Sambisig have been paired with other Philippine Eagles before but none has succeeded.
Geothermica and Sambisig underwent a pairing attempt process at the PEC which means they were put inside enclosures with a partition screen in between. This allowed them to see each other while preventing any physical harm should they become aggressive.
geothermica and sambisig's trip to singapore
The pair underwent lab test to rule out the New Castle Disease (NCD) and Avian Influenza Type A virus to ensure that the birds are safe for travel. This also prevents any contamination of the stock in Singapore.
They were transported using large kennels and will be riding the Philippine Airlines from Davao to Manila and then again from Davao to Singapore.
Upon arrival, the eagles were quarantined as per biosafety protocols and allowed the birds to acclimatize in their new environment.
geothermica's
profile
Hatchdate | Age | Sex | Mother | Father |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7 Jan 2004 | 15 | Male | Kahayag | Junior |
Geothermica is adopted by
Geothermica is named after EDC’s core business- geothermal energy.
sambisig's
profile
Hatchdate | Age | Sex | Mother | Father |
|---|---|---|---|---|
17 Nov 2002 | 17 | Female | Diamante | Sam |
Sambisig is adopted by
Sambisig's name means “one vision” or “unity.”
