A Bird That Went Extinct in Japan Has Returned to the Wild Decades Later — and Royals Were There to Watch It Soar

**Crested Ibis Birds Make Remarkable Return to Japan After Near Extinction**

In a significant milestone for wildlife conservation, a group of eight crested ibises have been successfully released into the wild in Hakui, a city located in northern Japan. This event marks an important step in the species’ recovery, as it had not been spotted in this region for decades. The release ceremony took place on May 31, 2026, and was graced by Crown Prince Akishino and his wife, Crown Princess Kiko, alongside other dignitaries.

These elegant birds, known for their striking white plumage and vivid orange-pink hues beneath their wings, were bred in captivity on Sado Island, part of Niigata Prefecture. Their journey back to the wild represents a remarkable turnaround for the crested ibis, which once faced extinction in Japan due to a combination of overhunting and habitat degradation. The last known native crested ibis in Japan passed away in 2003, further emphasising the urgent need for conservation efforts.

The path to recovery began in 1999 when a donation of ibises from China provided a glimmer of hope. The successful breeding programme that launched in the years following led to the birth of Japan’s first crested ibis chick in captivity. This breakthrough laid the foundation for future efforts, exemplified by the release of ten birds into the wild on Sado Island in 2008. Since then, the population of crested ibises in Japan has expanded to approximately 500, according to Japan’s Environment Ministry.

Crested ibises, known locally as “Toki,” have a distinctive appearance, with bright red markings surrounding their eyes and long, curved bills that enable them to forage effectively for food. Their recent release in Hakui not only illustrates the success of the conservation programmes in place but also rekindles hope for their establishment in historical habitats where they once thrived.

The return of these magnificent birds to Hakui City, the last location where they were observed in the wild, is particularly poignant. The release marks an effort to reintegrate the species into areas from which they have long been absent, allowing a newfound chance for them to thrive in their natural environment. Additionally, authorities reveal that another ten crested ibises are currently being prepared for future release as part of the ongoing conservation initiative.

Japan is not alone in its efforts to restore the crested ibis population. South Korea has similarly embarked on a conservation endeavour, having released 40 captive-bred ibises into the wild in 2019 after the species went extinct there in 1979. These efforts across nations underscore a growing recognition of the importance of international cooperation in the fight against biodiversity loss.

The collaborative nature of this conservation journey—from the initial pair of ibises donated by China to the joint efforts now being witnessed in Japan and South Korea—highlights the role that partnerships can play in addressing environmental challenges. It serves as a reminder that effective wildlife restoration often relies on the support and involvement of multiple stakeholders, including governments, conservationists, and local communities.

As the eight newly released crested ibises take flight over Hakui, they become a symbol of hope and resilience, showcasing nature’s ability to rebound when given the chance. Observers and conservationists alike will be keeping a close eye on their adjustment to the wild, hopeful that the continued efforts will yield further successes in restoring the species to its former ranges across the region.

The release not only represents a step forward for the crested ibis, but it also reiterates the vital importance of preserving our natural ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. As challenges continue to mount in the face of environmental degradation globally, events like these serve as powerful reminders of what can be achieved through dedication, cooperation, and a vision for a sustainable future.