The total population of endangered crested ibis in east China's Zhejiang Province has surpassed 1,000, after the province welcomed its 29th captive crested ibis chick at a breeding base in Deqing County on Wednesday.
It marked a milestone in China's conservation and breeding efforts for the world-renowned rare and endangered bird species.
Dubbed the "Oriental Gem," the crested ibis is among the most precious avian species in the world. After years of protection and breeding research, global population numbers have exceeded 11,000 birds.
Today, 531 birds live in the wild, while 469 remain under human care in Zhejiang – a clear sign of the species' remarkable recovery.
Population of endangered crested ibis grows to 1,000 in east China's Zhejiang Province
Local residents spontaneously helped each other to overcome the difficulties after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela.
A pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, killing at least 920 people and trapping many under the rubble. The quakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, hit central Venezuela less than a minute apart, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
International aids are pouring in for the disaster-hit South American country while rescuers have been searching through collapsed buildings to find survivors.
On Friday evening local time, large number of vehicles carrying rescue personnel and relief materials caused traffic congestions on roads as they flooded into the state of La Guaira state, the hardest-hit state of the country.
Many of the vehicles were loaded with relief supplies such as drinking water and food, while others were filled with daily necessities such as mattresses and furniture.
The town of Katia Lamar, one of the worst-hit areas in the state, remains out of power, with a pungent odor lingering in the air. Some local residents have spontaneously participated in disaster relief efforts.
"We are currently doing community service, helping those who need it most. We are all doing this voluntarily, and everything we do comes from our hearts. Many people need us right now, and Venezuela needs greater unity," said Hector, a resident who volunteered for disaster relief.
"People brought a lot of help, including food, diapers, medicine, drinking water, juice, drinks, as well as candy and baby food for the children," said an affected resident.
As the earthquakes destroyed residential buildings, many residents had no choice but to rest and spend the night in nearby open spaces.
"We'll rest here tonight and keep an eye on our belongings. These are things we managed to salvage from the apartment, some in relatively good condition," said a resident.
Venezuelans volunteer to help fellow residents after deadly earthquakes
