Two Female Eagles Released to Revive Garut’s Forest Ecosystem

RRI.CO.ID, Garut - Two female changeable hawk-eagles (Nisaetus cirrhatus), named Sukma and Ajeung, were released back into the wild at the Darajat Forest, Garut, West Java, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, after years of rehabilitation at the Cikembulan Wildlife Conservation Park, Kadungora Subdistrict, Garut. The release marks a significant step in efforts to preserve Indonesia’s endangered raptor population and maintain ecological balance.

“Rehabilitation began in 2023, and after assessments showed the eagles had regained their wild instincts and passed health checks, we decided they were ready to return to their natural habitat," Head of Technical Affairs at the West Java Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) Andri Hansen Siregar explained, as quoted by Antara.

He noted that the birds underwent intensive rehabilitation with veterinarians at Cikembulan, gradually regaining their predatory behavior. “The eagles will survive in the wild by hunting their own prey. We had planned this release since last year, and finally realized it in 2026,” Andri said.

He expressed gratitude to Cikembulan Wildlife Park and Star Energy Geothermal Darajat for their support, noting that unlike many zoos that keep rescued animals as collections, Cikembulan focuses on rehabilitation and release. “We truly appreciate the extraordinary efforts of Cikembulan Wildlife Park and the strong support from Star Energy, which made this release possible. Eagles are a protected species, and as top predators, their loss would disrupt ecological balance,” he said.

“Usually, animals handed over to zoos are kept as collections. But Cikembulan chose to rehabilitate and release them. We highly appreciate this extraordinary effort, supported by Star Energy, to return the eagles to their habitat. These birds are endangered. If top predators disappear, ecological imbalance will follow," Andri emphasized.

Manager of Cikembulan Wildlife Park, Rudi Arifin shared that the two female eagles were received in 2021 and are now eight years old. “They are healthy and retain their wild hunting instincts. We support the government’s program to conserve wildlife, especially rare species, so they remain in nature,” he said.

“We are still learning as a conservation institution, but with direction and training, we carried out this release. We have also partnered with Star Energy Geothermal Darajat to protect rare species. Previously we released leopards, and now eagles. I hope they remain wild and never captured again,” Rudi affirmed.

From the corporate side, Muhamad Riyadi of Star Energy Geothermal Darajat affirmed the company’s commitment. “Operating in forest areas obliges us to conserve nature and wildlife. Cikembulan Wildlife Park has shown strong dedication to conservation, and we support their efforts, including this release,” he concluded.

This initiative highlights Indonesia’s broader push to safeguard endangered species and strengthen wildlife conservation through collaboration between government, conservation institutions, and private sector partners. ***