Rare Crested Ibis Lays First Egg

Last year a pair of rare crested ibis was given to Japan by China as a symbol of friendship. Japan-born ibises became extinct in 2003.

The pair arrived at the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center in Niigata Prefecture in October 2018 on the 40th anniversary of the two countries' peace and friendship treaty. Their names are Guan Guan (female) and Lou Lou (male).  

The pair had been exhibiting the mating ritual of exchanging small branches since mid-February. Guan Guan has laid an egg which is expected to hatch any day now.