Four rescued Brahminy Kites were released back into the wild at the Paoay Lake Natural Park on Tuesday.

The release of “Salaknib,” “Bagting,” “Raniag,” and “Bannawag” was in line with the celebration of the 2025 World Wildlife Day (WWD), according to Forester Rhoel Marcelo, ecosystem management specialist at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Ilocos Norte.

The celebration aims “to instill awareness on wildlife protection and preservation,” Marcelo said.

Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Angelo Barba led the eagles’ release, along with Paoay Mayor Shiella Galano and members of the Protected Area Management Board and other stakeholders, including representatives of Fort Ilocandia Resort’s Wildlife Rescue Center, which took custody of the birds before the release.

“As these kites take to the sky, let them remind us of the boundless beauty of nature and our duty to protect it. May their flight inspire us all to rise to the challenge of conservation, ensuring that the skies remain filled with their graceful presence for generations to come,” Barba said.

The release of the Brahminy Kites nearly drove some spectators to tears, among them Missy Karell Pascua, a third-year BS biology student of the Mariano Marcos State University.

“I’m on the verge of crying when I saw the birds fly into their natural habitat. It means they are okay and finally free!” Pascua said.

Another spectator, Izzy Abalos, an on-the-job trainee at DENR-Ilocos Norte, said it was her first time to touch a Brahminy Kite, locally known as “Kali.”

“I’m happy that we are doing this for wildlife awareness and preservation,” Abalos said. “The next time we see them, we should not hunt or hurt them because they have an important role in the ecosystem.”

This year’s World Wildlife Day celebration is anchored on the theme “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.”

The DENR said the four Brahminy Kites were freed following an assessment and evaluation that showed they were cleared for release into the wild.

Five rescued Brahminy Kites were supposed to be released but one was not yet ready to fly, based on assessment, and remained at the Wildlife Rescue Center.

The Brahminy Kites were rescued by personnel of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Nueva Era, Paoay, and Laoag. (PNA)