Look, It's a Crane!

You can see all the crane species
in the world near Baraboo, WI.
4/29/2021 dwm photo

The original plan for the International Crane Foundation when it closed to the public at end of 2018 was to shut down for a year to remake their Cranes of the World exhibit.

Because of Covid-19, it didn't re-open for 17 months. As a member of the Crane Foundation, it was my pleasure to take advantage of an early opportunity to tour the new facility.

It is beautiful! The previous version was wonderful, but this elevates the visitor experience 5 to 10 levels above the former.

There are new homes for the Siberian, Black-necked, Black-Crowned and Brolga cranes and larger spaces for six other beautiful birds.

It begins with a new welcome center. In addition to a theater (still closed due to Covid) and larger gift shop there is a large window overlooking Sandhill cranes.

Sandhills are now everywhere in Wisconsin and across the country, so its fitting they are the host species.

The Sarus crane.
4/29/21 (dwm)

After the welcome center, the first crane is the Sarus.

The Sarus is a vulnerable species that calls South Asia and Australia home. It is the largest flying bird in the world.

As part of the renovation murals were built along the back of the bird enclosures that look like the bird's native habitat.

The path then winds past the Blue crane with the Black-Crowned crane next.

Black-Crowned Crane.
4/29/21 (dwm)

The Black-Crowned crane is also vulnerable to conditions in its home environment in West Africa and Sudan.

It's mane-like crown gives it a look of majesty which also makes it desirable for illegal commercial traders.

A Kenyan legend said the bird was useful as a protector of wetlands and waterholes and believed to ward off livestock pests. Unfortunately, the birds can't ward off conditions caused by humans.

This is one of several dance moves I witnessed from the
Grey-Crowned cranes. 4/29/2021 dwm photo

The Gray-Crowned crane lives nearby.

The pair was vocalizing before I got there and as I watched one of them started a courtship dance.

Whether he was trying to get better acquainted or move things further along I don't know.

The species needs help. It's endangered in its remaining home territories of east and south Africa. The largest numbers of the bird are found in Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

While the Gray-Crowned cranes were the most active, I saw and heard more from the cranes than on any previous visit. Staff and Board members on hand to welcome members said the birds seemed to miss their usual visitors during the pandemic.

The White-Naped crane stayed between me and
its nesting mate. 4/29/2021 dwm photo

Several species of crane were already taking care of what the Gray-Crowned crane seemed to want.

The White-Naped crane was one of several birds nesting on exhibit.

While its not open to the public, "Crane City" is on the Foundation's property and its where staff work hard to protect and breed the vulnerable and endangered birds. I presume birds nesting on exhibit is a wonderful bonus.

The White-Naped crane wasn't aggressive or loud, but if I moved slightly to get a new camera angle, it followed so it was always between me and its mate. If there wasn't a fence I doubt he would have been so calm.

The White-Naped cranes call east Asia home with several hundred wintering on grounds of the Demilitarized Zone dividing North and South Korea.

The Whooping Crane. 4/29/2021 (dwm)

Visitors can stand or sit and watch the birds as long as they wish. A few of the cranes have an amphitheater of seats encouraging guests to stay.

The Whooping crane is endangered, but its numbers are growing. The International Crane Foundation (ICF) says there are 849 living in the wild and captive.

Some of those wild Whoopers live in Wisconsin. These are the tallest birds in North America. We nearly lost them as the entire population dropped as low as 23 birds in 1941.

The Siberian cranes in their new home.
4/29/2021 dwm photo

The final exhibit on the loop past all 15 species is home to the Siberian crane.

This species is critically endangered, the worst status of any crane. A population of birds that live in east Siberia is the most stable while birds to the west have nearly disappeared because of pollution; diverting water; and filling in wetlands.

One couple was watching the birds when I joined them in the viewing area. The larger bird made several calls and posed several different ways, but I think his attentions were on his space mate and not the guys with the cameras.

While there is good news to report about cranes - 4 of the 15 species are considered to be growing in number. 7 species are vulnerable; 4 are endangered; and the Siberian critically endangered - the ICF is actively pursuing efforts around the world to restore or preserve habitat for the birds in ways that work for their human neighbors.

While you might see a crane species or two in other areas, this is the only place to see all 15 in one visit. The birds on display are ambassadors for the cause and their kind which the ICF hopes will encourage people to support efforts to protect and preserve these wonderful birds.

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