Oldest captive-bred crested ibis 'Pingping' dies in Beijing

(ECNS) -- The world’s longest-living crested ibis bred in captivity, “Pingping,” has died at Beijing Zoo, the zoo said on Monday.

Pingping lived for nearly 40 years. In 1986, Beijing Zoo established a captive-breeding center for crested ibises under the leadership of Li Fulai, a renowned expert in crested ibis conservation and reproduction, marking the start of China’s ex-situ conservation efforts for the species.

In the same year, Pingping was transferred from Yangxian County in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. Together with another crested ibis named “Qingqing,” Pingping produced 27 offspring, forming the foundation of China’s first captive crested ibis population.