From near death to a new life in the skies of Leyte, Lyra Sinabadan’s story is a powerful tale of survival, science, and second chances.
Once on the brink of death, Lyra Sinabadan is now soaring freely once again—this time over the lush forests of Burauen, Leyte. Her remarkable journey has inspired conservationists and wildlife advocates across the Philippines.
Lyra was hatched in the wild forests of Sibulan, Davao City, and in February 2023, she was rescued from Mt. Tangkulan, Bukidnon, after being shot with an airgun. Found weak, dehydrated, and nearly blind in one eye due to a cataract caused by her injuries, Lyra’s survival hung in the balance. She was brought to the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City, where she underwent extensive rehabilitation and care.
Her recovery was made possible with support from Official Eagle Cement Corporation, which officially adopted her and contributed to her medical and rehabilitation needs.
After more than two years of care, Lyra was translocated to Leyte on March 21, 2025, as part of the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s (PEF) ambitious reintroduction program. Following a period of acclimatization, Lyra was released into the wild on May 8, 2025, alongside Kalatungan I—another rehabilitated eagle—ushering in a hopeful new chapter for the Philippine Eagle in Leyte, where the species had long vanished.
Together, Lyra and Kalatungan I became the first cohort-bonded pair under the Philippine Eagle Bonding Experiment, a pioneering conservation strategy that aims to encourage natural pair formation and long-term settlement in release sites. This experimental approach seeks to strengthen reintroduction efforts by creating social bonds among released eagles, increasing their chances of survival and breeding in the wild.
Their release marks not only a victory for Philippine Eagle conservation but also a symbolic homecoming for a species that once thrived in Leyte’s forests. It is a milestone that shows how science, partnership, and determination can breathe new life into threatened ecosystems.
Let Lyra’s soaring comeback remind us of the power of resilience and the importance of protecting our biodiversity. Share her story—and help keep the skies of Leyte filled with life once more.