Japan releases 9 crested ibises in wild, 2nd time on main island

KANAZAWA, Japan - Nine crested ibises were released into the wild in central Japan on Wednesday, marking the second such event on the country's main island of Honshu as part of efforts to increase the population of the endangered species.

The release of the birds, designated as special natural treasures, in Nakanoto, Ishikawa Prefecture, came after 18 crested ibises were returned to the wild in Hakui in the same prefecture in May and June.