Crested Ibises

[Anchor Lead]

Crested ibises, once one of Korea's natural monuments, disappeared from the peninsula 37 years ago. After eight years of efforts to restore the species, the population of crested ibises in Korea has grown to 171. The birds will be released into the wild next year.

[Pkg]

A flock of birds play in their cage. They have long, white fan-shaped feathers behind their heads and contrasting red around their eyes. These are crested ibises, Korea's natural monument number 198. In the past, these migratory birds were a common sight in Korea's fields in the winter.

[Soundbite] Kim Tae-jwa(Ph.D., Ramsar Culture Center) : "Ancient records say that crested ibises were seen in various regions nationwide. Their population declined sharply due to hunting and wars."

Efforts to restore the species began in 2008, when a pair of crested ibises were brought in from China. The restoration efforts gained pace when two more male birds were donated during the 2013 Korea-China summit meeting. As a result, the population of crested ibises in Korea has grown to 171. The birds' transportation from China to Korea made headlines at the time, as they were treated like state guests sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

[Soundbite] Lee Sung-bok(Center for Crested Ibis Restoration) : "We plan to release them to the wild in the Upo wetlands. We will only release the birds that have been trained on how to behave in the presence of humans, protect themselves from predators, fly and find food."

The birds at the restoration center will be shown to the public starting on Tuesday. Next year they will be released to the wild.