Seeing a crane struggling for survival on farmland in Changli, Hebei Province, a kindhearted farming couple took it home to take care of it.

To rescue the bird, which is under protection, they called a veterinarian for help. The vet speculated the bird might have eaten seeds that had been coated with pesticide.

With his help, the couple helped the bird to recover gradually in the days following.

To the couple's amusement, the crane was reluctant to leave them on Thursday when experts from a wildlife rescue center went to fetch it for further treatment and rehabilitation.

(Hebei Daily March 7, 2007))