The article "How Japan Brought Back to Life a Sacred Bird from the Brink of Extinction" first appeared on the AZ Animals website.
The crested ibis, once renowned for its beautiful plumage, looks like something out of a fairy tale. And so it would have been, were it not for the incredible conservation efforts undertaken by those who cared about its legacy. At one point, this rare bird became extinct in most of its natural habitat. Today, it joins the small number of species that have recovered from the brink of extinction.
The recent release of eight great crested ibises in Japan was a tribute to their endurance and to all the people who helped them along the way. But for Japan, their maiden flights represent something more: hope for the future.
The Legend of the Sacred Birds of Toki
The Asian crested ibis, also known as the toki in Japan, is steeped in ancient lore. Its presence symbolized good fortune, harmony, and a special connection between humans and the natural world. The species' history dates back to the Nara period, when toki were held in royal esteem. Their vibrant colors, including deep blue wing feathers and bright orange wingtips, inspired the color scheme of the Imperial Palace.
The extinction of the crested ibis was caused by a triple threat: pollution, habitat loss and hunting.
©Hugh Lansdown/Shutterstock.com
Toki flowers were so revered that hunting them was strictly prohibited. Instead, nobles would wear their kimonos decorated with their own colors as a sign of respect. These customs are so deeply ingrained in Japanese folklore that the colors and patterns of toki can still be seen throughout Tokyo.
Sadly, by 2003, the crested ibis population in Japan had collapsed prematurely. Excessive pesticide use and hunting had pushed this species to the brink of extinction in its natural habitat. As their food became increasingly toxic, they also faced significant habitat loss due to land expansion. By the late 1980s, the threats to these birds had become too numerous. The last wild crested ibis died on Sado Island.
Promise and Future
Although crested ibises are extinct in Japan, the species itself remains. Previously, the birds were thought to be extinct in China, but a discovery in 1981 changed everything. A wild population of crested ibises was discovered in Shaanxi Province, raising hope among conservationists working to save the species. This hope was soon reinforced when Japan and China began working together to restore the species to one of its natural habitats.
Few birds can match the beauty of the Japanese crested ibis in flight.
©Wang LiQiang/Shutterstock.com
In 2002, a miracle occurred at a hatchery in Shaanxi Province. Crested ibises were bred, and five chicks hatched from seven eggs. After careful selection of mates, this proved that the species could return and survive. Slowly but surely, crested ibises were released into various suitable habitats across Japan. By 2012, three more chicks hatched on Sado Island—a poetic new beginning for the same place where the last representative of this species hatched. This marked the first appearance of a crested ibis in the wild in Japan in nearly 40 years.
Eight more great crested ibises have been released.
At the end of May 2026, eight more great crested ibises were released into the wild in Japan. At a ceremony held in the city of Hakui in the Noto region, Crown Prince Akishino and his wife, Kiko, released the birds from ceremonial wooden crates. Their first flight outside captivity was a remarkable triumph. It was a testament to the capabilities of modern science, a tribute to the success of conservation efforts, and a hope that similar efforts could be made with other species.
Once a symbol of harmony, the great crested ibis now means much more to Japan.
©Agami Photo Agency/Shutterstock.com
Sado Island has once again housed the birds at a conservation center until they are ready to live on their own. This island has become a critical survival site for crested ibises. It will continue to serve as a reintroduction center, and additional birds are expected to be released into Japan's forests.
The release of the crested ibis was a historic victory for Japan in its conservation efforts. In 2008, ten individuals marked the beginning of a population recovery. Now, the population is estimated to number around 580, if not more. As residents rejoiced after the birds took flight, the Japanese ministry instilled new hope that these birds could continue to thrive outside of captivity. If not for China's donation of the first breeding pair in 1999, as well as numerous conservationists and caregivers, the crested ibis would have been little more than a colorful myth. The release of these eight birds also symbolizes a good omen for the Noto region following the devastating earthquake of 2024.
The article "How Japan Brought Back to Life a Sacred Bird from the Brink of Extinction" first appeared on the AZ Animals website.