8 crested ibises released in Japanese town decades after extinction in Japan

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Updated 3:29 AM CDT, June 1, 2026

TOKYO (AP) — Eight crested ibises were released into the wild in a north-central Japanese town, decades after the birds went extinct in the country.

The endangered birds took off from each of their wooden cages at a ceremony Sunday in Hakui city in the Noto region, where they were last seen in the wild.

Residents cheered when the birds soared into the sky the moment Crown Prince Akishino, his wife Kiko and other officials cut a ribbon around the cages.

The eight birds have been raised at a conservation center on Sado Island in the neighboring prefecture of Niigata following a successful captive-breeding program. Ten more birds are waiting to be released.



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/japan-crested-ibis-release-b45a911d3a735ca280686ce3c04f5bd4

[Americanme]

1. Beautiful bird

[colorado_ufo]

2. Wow!!!

Gorgeous! Imagine a flock of them overhead!

[republianmushroom]

3. Welcome news.

[samnsara]

4. until an american tourist shoots one down...

[erronis]

6. My immediate thought also. Toxic merkinism.

[LudwigPastorius]

18. It is virtually impossible for a non-resident of Japan to obtain a gun.

Even the Yakuza won't sell to a foreigner.

[irisblue]

5. Those colors!

[Fla Dem]

7. My God! What a stunning bird!! So thankful for conservationists!

Not sure we'd have any rare wildlife without them.

[barbtries]

8. they're magnificent.

Conservation is so important. I'm really happy for this news.

[littlemissmartypants]

9. I love birds. TY, OS. ❤️

[Figarosmom]

10. Look at those colors, wow

[Bayard]

11. Great news!

Now, if we could just get Japan to stop hunting whales.....

[betsuni]

12. The Noto Peninsula region is fantastic: wild, sparsely populated, interesting rock formations, heavy snow in winter.

Seafood! Salt is still made the traditional way in Noto and is really delicious.

[saif]

13. 8 crested ibises released in Japanese town decades after extinction in Japan

That's wonderful conservation news. The return of crested ibises to the wild after decades of extinction in Japan shows how dedicated conservation efforts can help restore endangered species and biodiversity.

[Marie Marie]

14. Very cool.

[cynical_idealist]

15. We had surprise visit from glossy ibis in SoCal last summer

changing migratory patterns

wonder if they'll be back this year

[electric_blue68]

16. TY. Always happy to hear restoration news whether animals, or plants!

[eppur_se_muova]

17. "...marked with painted wings ..." so no, those are not its natural colors.

Its natural coloration is a beautifully subtle white and peach.




from https://nz.pinterest.com/pin/615585842858281941/ -- lots of other species, mostly gorgeous -- take a peek!