By Kenneth Marcos 
Students and teachers paused in concern after spotting a dark-feathered bird lying still on the ground inside a school along Arnaiz Street in Pasay City. The Asian Koel, a species known for its loud, echoing calls at dawn, had crashed into a glass window and fallen, unable to fly.
The school staff immediately reached out to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Metropolitan Environmental Office–West (MEO-West) for help. Responders from the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Unit, led by Environmental Protection Officer II Ildefonso Ida Jr., Forester I Christian Pastor, and EPO Ismael Javier, arrived soon after.
Upon inspection, the team confirmed that the bird—an Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus), a common but protected wildlife species in urban areas—had injured its right wing. The impact left it unable to fly and in need of emergency care.
According to a staff member of the Asian Institute of Marine Studies, the bird struck the building’s window while in flight, likely disoriented by the reflective glass. Such incidents are common in cities where birds mistake windows for open sky, especially during early morning or late afternoon.
The DENR team handled the bird carefully to reduce stress and prevent further injury. After an initial assessment, they coordinated with the Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC) of the Biodiversity Management Bureau in Quezon City. The WRC is the government’s main facility for treating, rehabilitating, and releasing rescued wildlife back into their natural habitat.
The Asian Koel was immediately transported to the center, where veterinarians and wildlife specialists will provide treatment, observe its condition, and determine when it can return to the wild. Rehabilitation may include wound care, feeding support, and flight conditioning to ensure it regains strength before release.
Wildlife experts note that the Asian Koel, though common in Metro Manila, plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance. It helps control insect populations and assists in seed dispersal, contributing to healthier urban ecosystems. Protecting even common species helps ensure that city environments remain biologically diverse and sustainable.
The DENR MEO-West reminds the public that rescuing wildlife requires proper handling. They urge communities to report injured or distressed animals to authorities instead of attempting to care for them at home. Wild animals can become stressed or aggressive when handled incorrectly, and specialized care is often needed to ensure recovery.
Residents who encounter wildlife in trouble are advised to contact the nearest DENR office or local authorities for guidance. Quick reporting can save animals’ lives and prevent further harm, especially in busy urban areas where hazards are more common.
As the rescued Koel undergoes treatment in Quezon City, the incident serves as a quiet reminder that wildlife continues to live alongside people—even in crowded cities. Our awareness and cooperation remain essential in protecting these creatures and the ecosystems they support.
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