NMP RECEIVES TAXIDERMY MOUNT OF RENOWNED PHILIPPINE EAGLE GEOTHERMICA

Last Wednesday, 5 June, the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) unveiled the taxidermy mount of renowned Philippine eagle Geothermica in celebration of Philippine Eagle Week!

Geothermica, and his partner Sambisig, were the pioneering pair chosen for the 2019 International Wildlife Loan Program between the Philippines and Singapore. Geothermica, affectionately known as Geo, was born on 7 January 2004 to parents Kahayag and Junior. The Energy Development Corporation later adopted Geo. 

Meanwhile, Sambisig, also known as Sam, was born on 17 November 2002 to parents Diamante and Sam and was adopted by the material science company Dow Chemical Philippines.

Four years into the loan agreement program, Geo passed away on 7 September 2023 due to a severe lung infection. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) turned over Geo’s taxidermy mount to the NMP, which is now part of the Philippine Zoological Reference Collections.

Geo’s story is a testament to the power of collective action. Reflecting the conservation strategies of the government, experts, and scientists, Geo’s legacy calls for every Filipino to take an active role in helping conserve and preserve this critically endangered raptor.

Further, in partnership with the NMP, the PEF launched a photo exhibition to emphasize the urgent need to protect the critically endangered Philippine eagle. The “Geothermica & Philippine Eagle Conservation” special photo exhibition aims to raise awareness on the culture-based conservation of the Haring Ibon. It serves as a reminder to help protect and conserve our forests, the natural habitat of the Philippine eagles. It also showcases how sustainable forest management, led by our communities and indigenous peoples, is crucial to saving our national bird.

The unveiling of Geothermica was graced by DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and attended by partners from the PEF, DENR-BMB, Boeing SouthEast, EDC, Forest Foundation Philippines, and ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, among others, showcasing the power of collaboration in our conservation efforts.

The “Geothermica & Philippine Eagle Conservation” special photo exhibition is available for public viewing until 24 June at the Shell Philippines Centennial Courtyard at the National Museum of Natural History! The NMNH is open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9 AM to 6 PM. Admission is FREE!

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