On Sunday morning, two male Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) took their first flight into the desert at Sam in Rajasthan’s Desert National Park. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released the birds as India entered a new phase of its nearly decade-long effort to bring the critically endangered species back to the wild.

These were not birds rescued from the wild. They had been raised through India’s conservation-breeding programme at facilities in Jaisalmer.

In a milestone move, released two male Great Indian Bustards in Sam, Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, today morning. This landmark success has been made possible by the nearly decade-long unwavering dedication of our scientists, researchers and ground staff who have spent years to ensure GIB reclaims the deserts of Rajasthan. I thank PM Shri @narendramodi ji for his continued guidance, encouragement and constant support in ensuring our scientific community can work for the conservation of all our species, including the GIB. #IndiaRewildsGIB — Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) October 4, 2026

In a milestone move, released two male Great Indian Bustards in Sam, Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, today morning. This landmark success has been made possible by the nearly decade-long unwavering dedication of our scientists, researchers and ground staff who have spent years to ensure GIB reclaims the deserts of Rajasthan. I thank PM Shri @narendramodi ji for his continued guidance, encouragement and constant support in ensuring our scientific community can work for the conservation of all our species, including the GIB. #IndiaRewildsGIB

Now comes the harder question: Can a bird bred by humans learn to live without them?

That is what the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Rajasthan Forest Department and their partners are beginning to find out.

The GIB, locally known as the Godawan, is among India’s most threatened birds, with only a small wild population remaining. For years, conservationists have worked on protecting the birds that remain while also building a captive population that could eventually be returned to their natural habitat.

The release of these two males is the first major........

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