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The crested ibis, a special natural treasure, is right in front of you.
This is a facility where visitors can learn about the history and ecology of the Japanese crested ibis, a Special Natural Treasure of Japan, and exhibits a stuffed ibis named “Kin”, which is the last domestic ibis.
In the Toki Fureai Plaza, there is a large cage where you can observe crested ibises in their natural habitat, flying, foraging, and nest building.
Through the observation window, visitors can get a closer look at the crested ibises. Especially during the morning and evening, you will have a chance to see the crested ibis right in front of you!
The crested ibis is a species of bird in the Pelicanidae order, Threskiornithidae family, Threskiornithidae genus, whose scientific name is Niponia nippon.
They once inhabited many parts of Japan, but in the 20th century their numbers decreased dramatically due to overfishing and development.
It was designated as a natural monument in 1934, but the last Japanese crested ibis "Kin" died in 2003. Currently, they are successfully breeding the offspring of crested ibises donated from China, and dozens of chicks are born every year.
They have also been releasing crested ibises since 2008, and as a result, there are now more than 400 crested ibises living in Japan.
A beautiful crested ibis with a red face, black long beak, and light pink feathers.
The exterior of the Toki Fureai Plaza.
You can see the crested ibis this close from the observation window.
The frying ibis spreads its wings.
A feeding ibis right in front of me!
