How the crested ibis came back from the brink By MA YUNFEI,HE ZHANJUN and FU RUIXIA | China Daily | Updated: 2021-05-25 08:24 Share CLOSE Liu Yinzeng, center, and British conservationist Terry Townshend talk to Xinhua's China Chat host Miao Xiaojuan. [Photo/Xinhua] 'Oriental gem' a jewel in nation's conservation crown British conservationist Terry Townshend jumped at the chance to return to Yangxian county, Shaanxi province, dubbed the "hometown of the crested ibis". He described his trip as a great honor, as not only did he get the chance to see these majestic birds once again, he was also able to visit a prominent figure whose name has become synonymous with this species, which is still endangered.