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Crested ibis hatched in China's Jiangxi

STORY: Crested ibis hatched in China's Jiangxi SHOOTING TIME: June 11, 2024 DATELINE: June 14, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:12 LOCATION: YINGTAN, China CATEGORY: ECOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of crested ibises STORYLINE: A baby crested ibis was hatched on Tuesday in a protection base in east China's Jiangxi. This is the first naturally hatched crested ibis of the base this year. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Yingtan, China. (XHTV)

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A crested ibis is pictured at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 20, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for c

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A released crested ibis is pictured in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 20, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for crested ibis in South Korea, Changn

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on May 20, 2024 shows a nursery room for crested ibis chicks at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on May 21, 2024 shows the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for creste

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Crested ibis "Long Ting" is pictured at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 20, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main hab

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A crested ibis is released into the wild in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 10, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for crested ibis in South Korea, C

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- This undated file photo shows a released crested ibis near Changnyeong, South Korea. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for crested ibis in South Korea,

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A crested ibis is pictured at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 20, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for c

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Breeder Han Yeong-In observes crested ibises at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 21, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on May 21, 2024 shows a training facility for crested ibis before their release at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis w

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A staff member takes care of crested ibis chicks at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 20, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. No

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A released crested ibis is pictured in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 20, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for crested ibis in South Korea, Changn

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Crested ibis "Jin Shui" (R) is pictured at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 20, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- This undated file photo shows a released crested ibis near Changnyeong, South Korea. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for crested ibis in South Korea,

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The return of crested ibises: from endangered to flourishing

STORY: The return of crested ibises: from endangered to flourishing DATELINE: April 28, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:38 LOCATION: XI'AN, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of the views of the Qinling Mountains 2. various of the illustrations STORYLINE: A single feather, light as it is, can be a witness to a species' growth from the brink of extinction to a vibrant community. The Qinling Mountains, which bridge China's south and north and known as the country's "central water tower," is home to abundant rare animals and plants, and one of the most biodiverse regions on earth. Every March and April, a large number of crested ibis babies break out of the shells, and make their first cry in a husky but high-pitched tone. Known as the "Oriental gem," crested ibis has an important cultural status in East Asian countries because of its appearance and grace. Crested ibises are monogamous and typically produce only one egg a year, and low fertility rates once pushed the species to the brink of extinction

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China makes strides in protecting biodiversity

STORY: China makes strides in protecting biodiversity DATELINE: Dec. 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:44 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of plants and wild animal in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): Voice of YANG QUAN, Chongqing Xuebaoshan National Nature Reserve 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): Voice of CHEN NAN, Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): Voice of WEI RONGPING, Director, Wolong Shenshuping panda base 5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): Voice of DUAN WENBIN, Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve 6. SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): Voice of ZHAO XINLU, Head of Sonam Dargye Protection Station, Sanjiangyuan National Park STORYLINE: China is one of the countries with the highest plant diversity, providing habitats for 37,000+ types of higher plants, accounting for about one-tenth of the world's total. A critically endangered plant, known as Euonymus aquifolium, has been rediscovered in China, over 110 years after it was first found in the country. Thuja sutchuenen

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Man behind reintroduction of wild crested ibises

NIIGATA, Japan - Photo taken May 23, 2013 in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, shows Kei Osada, who has seen 12 chicks born in the wild leave their nests during his three-year stint as the person in charge of Japan's captive breeding program of the endangered crested ibis. Of the 12, eight chicks born in 2012 were the first wild crested ibises to leave their nests in as many as 38 years in Japan.

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Young ibises in Sado

SADO, Japan - Two young crested ibises (L) look for food beside one of their parents (R) in a fallow rice paddy in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on June 1, 2012. The young birds were two of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a pair released in March 2011. They are believed to have begun learning to fly in late May 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild in Japan for 38 years. (Pool photo)

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Young ibises in Sado

SADO, Japan - A young crested ibis (L) lands beside one of its parents in a fallow rice paddy in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on June 1, 2012. The young bird is one of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a pair released in March 2011. They are believed to have begun learning to fly in late May 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild in Japan for 38 years. (Pool photo)

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Young ibises in Sado

SADO, Japan - Two young crested ibises spread their wings in a fallow rice paddy in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on June 1, 2012. The young birds were two of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a pair released in March 2011. They are believed to have begun learning to fly in late May 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild in Japan for 38 years. (Pool photo)

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Young ibis flies

SADO, Japan - A young crested ibis flies in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on May 31, 2012. The bird was one of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a 3-year-old male and a 2-year-old female released in March 2011. They are believed to have begun learning to fly between May 25 and 27, 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild for 38 years in Japan. (Pool photo)

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Young ibis on rooftop

SADO, Japan - A young crested ibis is perched on a rooftop in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on May 31, 2012. The bird was one of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a 3-year-old male and a 2-year-old female released in March 2011. The one-month-old birds are believed to have begun learning to fly between May 25 and 27, 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild for 38 years in Japan. (Pool photo)

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Young ibis on tree

SADO, Japan - A young crested ibis stands on a tree branch in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on May 31, 2012. The bird was one of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a 3-year-old male and a 2-year-old female released in March 2011. The one-month-old birds are believed to have begun learning to fly between May 25 and 27, 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild for 38 years in Japan. (Pool photo)

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Young ibis flies

SADO, Japan - A young crested ibis flies in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on May 31, 2012. The bird was one of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a 3-year-old male and a 2-year-old female released in March 2011. They are believed to have begun learning to fly between May 25 and 27, 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild for 38 years in Japan. (Pool photo)

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Young ibis flies

SADO, Japan - A young crested ibis (top) flies in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on May 31, 2012. The bird was one of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a 3-year-old male and a 2-year-old female released in March 2011. They are believed to have begun learning to fly between May 25 and 27, 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild for 38 years in Japan. At bottom is one of its parents. (Pool photo)

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Young ibis flies

SADO, Japan - A young crested ibis flies in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on May 31, 2012. The bird was one of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a 3-year-old male and a 2-year-old female released in March 2011. They are believed to have begun learning to fly between May 25 and 27, 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild for 38 years in Japan. (Pool photo)

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Crested ibis chick seen flying after leaving nest

SADO, Japan - Photo shows a young crested ibis flying in the city of Sado, Niigata Prefecture, at 4:45 a.m. on May 30, 2012. The Environment Ministry said the same day it has confirmed a young crested ibis has been spotted flying around the city for the first time since beginning to learn to fly earlier in the month. (Pool photo)

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Crested ibis in Japan's Sado

SADO, Japan - A crested ibis, an endangered species, flies over ''sakura'' cherry blossoms in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on April 25, 2010. A pair of the birds is taking care of eggs in the island city that could herald the birth of the country's first wild-born ibis in 36 years.

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Japanese crested ibis

SADO, Japan - A crested ibis, an endangered species with the scientific name Nipponia nippon, flies in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on April 24, 2010. The bird is one of a pair taking care of eggs that could herald the birth of the country's first wild-born ibis in 36 years.

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(7)Abductees enjoy their homecoming

SADOGASHIMA ISLAND, Japan - Hitomi Soga (C), one of five Japanese on their first homecoming since being abducted to North Korea in 1978, shakes hands with a tourist during a visit to the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center in the village of Niibo, Niigata Prefecture, on Oct. 20.

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(8)Abductees enjoy their homecoming

SADOGASHIMA ISLAND, Japan - Hitomi Soga, on her first homecoming since being abducted to North Korea in 1978, smiles after being presented with a picture of crested ibises during a visit to the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center in the village of Niibo, Niigata Prefecture, on Oct. 20. (Pool photo)

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Soga observes crested ibises on Sadogashima Island

SADO, Japan - Hitomi Soga, 43, one of the five Japanese nationals on their first homecoming since being abducted to North Korea in 1978, visits the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center with her nephew on Oct. 20. The conservation center is on Sadogashima Island in Niigata Prefecture.

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Japan's ibis chick named 'Yu Yu'

Japan's first ibis bred in captivity has been named ''Yu Yu,'' which consists of two identical Chinese characters meaning ''excellent'' or ''gentle.'' Photo shows Environment Agency chief Kenji Manabe announcing the name at the agency July 2.

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Artificially bred baby crested ibis hatched in Shaanxi, China

STORY: Artificially bred baby crested ibis hatched in Shaanxi, China DATELINE: April 27, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:08 LOCATION: HANZHONG, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the nature reserve conservation zone 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): DUAN WENBIN, Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LIU YI, Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve 4. various of crested ibis STORYLINE: The first crested ibis birdling hatched via artificial breeding emerged from its shell last weekend in Hanzhong in China's Shaanxi. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): DUAN WENBIN, Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve "Since March 2022, the artificially bred crested ibises in the nature reserve have entered the breeding season. By April 24, the artificially bred crested ibises have hatched 17 chicks. They have been growing well. The breeding center will also collect some eggs from the crested ibises, and conduct artificial hatching by imitating natural conditions." SOUNDBIT

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Qinling golden monkeys feast on flowers in spring

STORY: Qinling golden monkeys feast on flowers in spring DATELINE: April 6, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:45 LOCATION: XI'AN, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of monkeys feasting on flowers STORYLINE: Qinling golden monkeys were spotted feasting on flowers at a rare wildlife rescue base in Xi'an, the capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. According to keepers, the food that Qinling golden monkeys enjoy changes in different seasons. In spring, they usually eat buds, leaves, and flowers. Recently, staff at the base have fed them with fresh branches of cherry trees so that the golden monkeys can eat seasonal food. The Qinling Mountains are known as China's gene bank of wildlife as it houses a huge variety of plants and wild animals such as giant pandas, golden monkeys and crested ibis. Qinling golden monkeys are under first-level protection in China. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Xi'an, China. (XHTV)

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Ibis Mei Mei lays 1st egg of year

NIIGATA, Japan - Mei Mei, a female crested ibis donated to Japan by China in 2000, tries to roll her egg with her bill at the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center in Niigata Prefecture on April 2. The egg is the first laid by the bird at the center this year. The photo was released to the media by the center.

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1st crested ibis chick of year born at Niigata center

SADO, Japan - This year's first crested ibis chick was hatched at the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center on Sadogashima Island on April 28. The chick of the endangered species weighs about 62.4 grams. Photo was provided by the center. (Kyodo)

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(7)Abductees enjoy their homecoming

SADOGASHIMA ISLAND, Japan - Hitomi Soga (C), one of five Japanese on their first homecoming since being abducted to North Korea in 1978, shakes hands with a tourist during a visit to the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center in the village of Niibo, Niigata Prefecture, on Oct. 20. (Kyodo)

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(8)Abductees enjoy their homecoming

SADOGASHIMA ISLAND, Japan - Hitomi Soga, on her first homecoming since being abducted to North Korea in 1978, smiles after being presented with a picture of crested ibises during a visit to the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center in the village of Niibo, Niigata Prefecture, on Oct. 20. (Pool photo) (Kyodo)

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Crested ibis in Japan's Sado

SADO, Japan - A crested ibis, an endangered species, flies over ''sakura'' cherry blossoms in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on April 25, 2010. A pair of the birds is taking care of eggs in the island city that could herald the birth of the country's first wild-born ibis in 36 years. (Kyodo)

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Japanese crested ibis

SADO, Japan - A crested ibis, an endangered species with the scientific name Nipponia nippon, flies in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on April 24, 2010. The bird is one of a pair taking care of eggs that could herald the birth of the country's first wild-born ibis in 36 years. (Kyodo)

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Soga observes crested ibises on Sadogashima Island

SADO, Japan - Hitomi Soga, 43, one of the five Japanese nationals on their first homecoming since being abducted to North Korea in 1978, visits the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center with her nephew on Oct. 20. The conservation center is on Sadogashima Island in Niigata Prefecture. (Kyodo)

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first ibis chick photos released

NIIGATA, Japan - One of pictures released June 1 by the Sado Crested Ibis Conservation Center on Sadogashima Island, Niigata Prefecture shows three chicks hatched this year from eggs laid by the pair Mei Mei, who was given to Japan by China in 2000, and Yu Yu, who is the offspring of another pair Yang Yang and You You, also gifts from China.

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Crested ibis chick hatches at center in Niigata Pref.

NIIGATA, Japan - A crested ibis chick hatches April 22 at a preservation center on Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture, becoming the first chick born this year and the fourth ever through artificial incubation of eggs at the center. The chick hatched from one of four eggs laid by Mei Mei -- a crested ibis given to Japan by China last October. The photo was taken and provided by the Sado Crested Ibis Preservation Center.

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All 4 eggs of crested ibis Mei Mei probably fertilized

NIIGATA, Japan - A veterinarian examines whether the four eggs laid by Mei Mei, a crested ibis donated to Japan from China last October, have been fertilized at the Sado Crested Ibis Conservation Center on Sadogashima Island, Niigata Prefecture, on April 10. The center said all eggs have likely been fertilized. The eggs are the first Mei Mei and her mate Yu Yu have produced.

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All 4 eggs of crested ibis Mei Mei probably fertilized

NIIGATA, Japan - A veterinarian examines whether the four eggs laid by Mei Mei, a crested ibis donated to Japan from China last October, have been fertilized at the Sado Crested Ibis Conservation Center on Sadogashima Island, Niigata Prefecture, on April 10. The center said all eggs have likely been fertilized. The eggs are the first Mei Mei and her mate Yu Yu have produced.

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Mei Mei, crested ibis from China, lays 1st egg in Japan

NIIGATA, Japan - Photo, taken and provided March 26 by the Sado Crested Ibis Conservation Center on Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture, shows Mei Mei, a crested ibis donated to Japan by China last October, warming her first egg in the nest. Mei Mei mated with Yu Yu at the center. Under an accord of the two countries to preserve the endangered species, their first chick will be sent to China and the second will stay in Japan.

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Ibises show signs of entering mating season

NIIGATA, Japan - Japan's first artificially bred ibis, Yu Yu (R), and his mate, Mei Mei, are showing signs they may be about to mate. Officials at the Sado Crested Ibis Conservation Center in Niigata Prefecture's Sado Island, where the birds are houses, said Jan. 25 they seem to be getting accustomed to each other and have taken to resting on the same perch. Mei Mei was donated by China and arrived in Japan in October for mating purposes under an environmental accord signed by the two countries in Tokyo.

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Yu Yu, Japan's 1st ibis bred in captivity, cerebrates 1st birthd

TOKYO, Japan - Yu Yu, Japan's first ibis bred in captivity, cerebrates its first birthday on May 21. The photo was taken around 10 a.m. on May 18 at the Sado Crested Ibis Conservation Center in Niigata Prefecture. The photo was released by the center.