A heartwarming scene unfolded in Rugao City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, as five Oriental stork chicks took to the skies for the first time. Perched atop a transmission tower, the young birds practiced flying under the watchful eyes of their parents.
The adult storks had nested in the area earlier this year and successfully raised five healthy chicks. Now fully grown, these chicks are embracing their natural instincts, marking a significant milestone in their development. The Oriental stork, a species under first-class national protection in China, is known to live for more than 48 years.
The successful rearing and first flight of these chicks highlight the rich biodiversity of Jiangsu Province and underscore the importance of conservation efforts. The sight of these majestic birds soaring over Rugao City offers a hopeful glimpse into the future of this endangered species.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com