Endangered Oriental stork rescued after injury in Northeast China
(ECNS) -- An endangered Oriental stork found with multiple fractures and unable to fly has been successfully treated following a joint rescue effort in the northeastern city of Jilin, Jilin Province.
The bird was discovered in a weakened state by a local farmer in suburban fields amid cold weather conditions. After moving it indoors for warmth, the farmer called local wildlife authorities.
"It showed visible injuries and couldn't fly," said Wu Jianfeng, secretary-general of the Jilin Wildlife Conservation Association, who implemented protective stabilization measures before transferring the bird to a pet hospital.
Examinations revealed three fracture sites, including a serious wing injury. A medical team performed wound debridement and fracture reduction surgery, supplemented by antibiotics and suturing, ultimately stabilizing the critically endangered bird.
The stork remains under professional care and will be released into a suitable wetland habitat after recovery, according to Wu.
The bird species, classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, is under first-class national protection in China. Every spring, these birds migrate from the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River back to their breeding habitats in northeast China.
(By Zhang Dongfang)