In a captivating development regarding the intricate relationship between China and Japan, we find the case of two endangered birds, the Japanese crested ibises named “Yangyang” (right) and “Youyou” (left), that were gifted to Japan by China. Historically, China has often utilized what might be termed “animal diplomacy” with its international partners. However, this tactic seems to have encountered challenges in recent years, particularly following a series of attacks on Japanese citizens in China, which have further complicated diplomatic relations.

On September 29, the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo took the initiative to return two giant pandas to China. Shortly thereafter, it was revealed that the Japanese government would be returning at least 16 crested ibises—birds that symbolize the successful collaborative conservation efforts between China and Japan—after an eight-year pause.

Reported by Kyodo News, the crested ibis is regarded as extinct in Japan, with the last confirmed wild specimen declared extinct in 2003. The birds currently in Japan are descendants of those brought over from China in 1990, representing a joint breeding effort that underscores the friendship between the two nations.

Under a memorandum signed in 1985, known as the “China-Japan Joint Protection Plan for the Crested Ibis,” both countries committed to legislative, breeding, and educational initiatives aimed at conserving the species.

Traditionally, Japan has returned half of the offspring of the imported ibises back to China, a practice that commenced in March 2002 and continued until March 2016, culminating in the return of 47 birds across seven instances.

However, in recent years, this process has faced hurdles due to various factors, including disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, outbreaks of avian influenza, and logistical challenges related to coordination and transportation costs between the respective governments.

Sources indicate that the 16 ibises slated for return after an eight-year break were born between 2016 and 2022 at the Sado Island Crested Ibis Protection Center in Niigata Prefecture. This new group consists of seven males and nine females. Once their health is verified, plans will be made to transport them to Beijing by the end of October. Upon their arrival, the Beijing Zoo will take over their care, completing this important conservation journey.