A couple of oriental white storks recently returned to Rugao in Nantong, East China's Zhejiang province, local media reported on Feb 25.

The oriental white stork is a national first-class protected animal, known as the "giant panda among birds", and there are no more than 10,000 left in the world.

The couple came to Rugao in May last year, and gave birth to two babies.

The couple is still in the nesting and mating period, and it is believed that in the near future they will give birth to another generation of native wild oriental white storks.

As a bird photographer, Zong Zhouxiang recorded every day since the wild oriental white stork came to the city in May last year until the first batch of wild oriental white storks hatched in Rugao and left with their parents.

The return of the wild oriental white storks reflects the charm of the city, said Zhou.

The family farm not far from the nesting place of the wild oriental white storks is their favorite hunting ground.

Farm owner Xie Renjian was also overjoyed by their return this year. It showed that the farm has a good environment, said Xie. He hopes they will stay for generations.

A wild oriental white stork hunts for food on a farm in Rugao in Nantong, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Nantong Daily]