NANCHANG, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Three rare oriental white storks were released into the wild on Wednesday on the banks of Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater lake in the eastern province of Jiangxi, after being rescued more than two months ago.

On April 1, staff from a local electricity company found three baby oriental white storks in a nest on a high-voltage electrical tower. The storks were found starving and sent to the wild animals and plants rescue center under Jiangxi Academy of Forestry.

Over a period of two months, they received veterinary treatment and field-survival training at the center. Prior to release, they were in good condition and able to fly, according to the center.

Wang Zhiru, director of the center, said staff members will follow and monitor the three storks following their release, as well as strengthening the protection of aquatic life in the surrounding area to create better breeding conditions for this rare bird species.

The oriental white stork is a national first-class protected animal and listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The far-eastern region of Russia and northeast China are their major breeding areas. The wild population is estimated at fewer than 4,000. Enditem