After the eruption of the Taal volcano last January 12, 2020, thousands of animals were left behind and abandoned, with nowhere else to go. Several animal rescue groups and animal lovers tried to help as much as they could, but could only do so much.
Now, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is looking to put up wildlife rescue centers at satellite offices and nearby provinces in Batangas to rehabilitate wildlife species and rescue those affected by the Taal eruption.
“We want to bring these centers closer to people who have saved or will rescue wild animals that migrated to communities to escape Taal Volcano’s wrath, so they no longer have to travel to Manila to turnover the species,” Benny Antiporda, DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units Concern and Deputy Spokesperson, said in a statement.
This plan comes after a rescued baby Luzon scops owl (Otuslongicornis) was turned over at DENR’s Wildlife Rescue Center in Quezon City, which is being managed by the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), last January 22.
Members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the National Capital Region Police Office rescued the baby owl, which they since named “Tala,” while they were patrolling along the Talisay-Tanauan Road in Batangas.
“[This is] why putting up rescue centers at strategic DENR field offices near Taal is a must,” Antiporda said.
With rescue centers in nearby areas affect by the eruption, Antiporda pointed out that DENR could then easily respond to citizens who rescued wildlife.
“The public can reach us through our Facebook and Twitter accounts. They can also call us at pupuntahan po namin sila at ready po ang DENR 24/7,” he added.
You might want to read:
– Save animals, don’t harm endangered species fleeing from Taal volcano – DENR
– Batangas farm shelters pets rescued from Taal volcano
– Hornbill from Taal rescued, turned over to DENR
