Eight crested ibises have been released into the wild in north-central Japan, marking a significant moment decades after the species was declared extinct in the country. The endangered birds soared into the skies above Hakui city in the Noto region on Sunday, a place where they were last observed in their natural habitat.
The release, from individual wooden cages, was part of a special ceremony attended by Crown Prince Akishino, his wife Kiko, and other officials. Residents gathered to cheer as the royal couple cut a ribbon, allowing the birds to take flight, a sight met with widespread enthusiasm.
