A critically endangered Sulu Hornbill, a species not native to Northern Mindanao, was rescued on November 19, 2025 along the seaside area of Barangay Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City. Construction workers found the weakened bird struggling in the water near a bridge they were building. Noticing it was malnourished and unable to fly, they immediately secured it and later turned it over to the DENR X Regional Wildlife Rescue Center.
DENR X praised the workers for their quick action. The hornbill is now under veterinary care and rehabilitation. Since the species is native only to the Sulu Archipelago, DENR X recommended transferring the bird to DENR Region IX for proper handling and possible release once it fully recovers.
The Sulu hornbill is critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting, making the rescue of every individual important for the survival of the species.
photos and info by DENR-10
