Positioned to the west of the Japanese mainland lies Sado Island, a small but picturesque peanut shaped island of both snow-capped mountains and rice paddies. It’s also home of one of Japan’s most-prized national treasures: the toki - or Japanese Crested Ibis.
With its distinctively curved beak and delicate pink plumage, the Toki once thrived on the island. But like so many species, its numbers dwindled exponentially in modern times and in 2003 the last wild bird was captured and caged.
Kin, or ‘gold’, became a beloved celebrity, living as a curiosity and serving as yet another cautionary tale right up until her death. Her death meant not a single wild-born toki was left in Japan.
However, while Japan mourned the loss of their toki, six birds were found on mainland China and in a gensture of diplomatic goodwill, a breedable pair were flown first class on a commercial aircraft to a new and empty conservation park on Sado Island.
YouYou and YangYang were charged with repopulating the park and wasted no time. In fewer more than 20 years the Sado Island toki population has soared from zero to nearly 500.
The phoenix has risen from the ashes.
The Chosen One, clay, porcelain slip, underglaze, 45cm x 33 x 32, 2024
Photographed by Rosina Possingham
