The eagle, valued at over Rs100 million (approximately $36,000) in the international market, will be re-released into the wild with a tracking device. The Wildlife Department recovered the rare eagle during a raid in the Taunsa area as part of the Punjab government’s efforts to combat the illegal trade and smuggling of endangered wildlife.
Following a tip-off, a joint operation by the Wildlife Protection Department and the Police led to the seizure of the eagle and the arrest of the suspect, who was allegedly involved in smuggling rare birds abroad.
Wildlife officials confirmed that the recovered eagle is in good health. Punjab’s Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, speaking on behalf of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, praised the department’s efforts, highlighting the crucial role that birds play in maintaining ecological balance. She noted that numerous rare animals and birds have been rescued and treated, with many transferred to zoos for their protection.
