15/03/2026
Dobrá práce Jan Hanel Zoo Liberec! Tak se to konečně povedlo!
Good job! The Czech biologists are helping in a breeding project of Philippine eagle.
CZECH EXPERTS HELP BREED PHILIPPINE EAGLE CHICK FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 13 YEARS
For the first time in thirteen years, conservationists have successfully bred a Philippine eagle chick using artificial insemination, thanks to expertise from Zoo Liberec in the Czech Republic. Jan Hanel, the zoo’s bird curator, shared the details of this groundbreaking effort.
The Challenge of Breeding Philippine Eagles
“Breeding eagles is generally difficult. But with the largest eagles, such as the Philippine eagle, it becomes even more complicated from many aspects. One reason is that in nature they normally nest only every other year. They lay just one egg and then feed the chick for two years. This makes the whole process very slow,” Hanel explains.
The team worked for three years to perfect the artificial insemination process, carefully handling and transporting semen in tropical conditions, which are particularly harsh on reproductive material. Earlier attempts produced fertile eggs, but the chicks did not survive.
“Artificial insemination is not the only challenge… caring for the chicks afterward is also very difficult. So we strengthened our partnership and organized workshops and training for the Philippine Eagle staff here in the Czech Republic and in Spain. They then took this know-how back to the Philippines and succeeded, and I’m really happy and proud,” Hanel adds.
International Collaboration for Conservation
The partnership between Zoo Liberec and the Philippine Eagle Foundation began in 2022, building on decades of experience with birds of prey. Hanel notes:
“We have a long tradition and extensive experience in breeding and keeping birds of prey. The keepers from the Philippines have visited us twice, and I have been there three times to help them during their breeding season, to establish the right routines and support them in achieving these results.”
Meet Bayane: The New Hope
The chick, now three months old, has been named Bayani, meaning “hero” in the Philippine language. “Let’s hope he truly will be a hero and will survive all the difficulties,” Hanel says.
This success represents a major step for the species’ survival. With wild populations estimated at around 350 pairs—and likely lower—the Philippine eagle remains critically endangered. Fragmented forests and low genetic diversity make breeding efforts in captivity essential for sustaining the species.
Hanel emphasizes the importance of captive breeding to connect isolated populations:
“By bringing birds from different areas together in breeding centres and aviaries, we can increase genetic diversity and produce genetically healthier chicks. Without reintroduction of captive-bred birds, the project will not move forward as quickly as it could.”
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This story originally appeared on Radio Prague International. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.
