ZAMBOANGA CITY – In celebration of World Wildlife Day, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Zamboanga, through its Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit (PAMBCU), successfully released several wildlife species back into their natural habitat on March 3, 2025.
Led by CENR Officer Jaime C. Salvador, together with CDS Chief Edwin A. Legaspi and PAMBCU Chief Jacqueline D. Ishamel, the team facilitated the release of two reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatus), one yellow-headed water monitor (Varanus cumingi), and one Philippine serpent eagle (Spilornis holospilus). These animals were rehabilitated and deemed fit to return to the wild, contributing to ongoing conservation efforts in the region.
Aside from the wildlife release, an environmental lecture was conducted at Sitio Canucutan, Pasonanca, to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. A total of 43 local residents attended the lecture, engaging in discussions about the ecological importance of wildlife and the need for habitat protection.
This year’s World Wildlife Day carries the theme “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” emphasizing the critical role of funding in wildlife protection and the broader benefits of biodiversity conservation for socio-economic growth. The event served as a reminder of the urgent need to protect and preserve the country’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
The efforts of CENRO Zamboanga and its partners highlight the importance of community participation in conservation and the significance of returning rehabilitated wildlife to their natural environment. The initiative aligns with global efforts to ensure the survival of various species and maintain ecological balance in the region.