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[Phyl]

But it’s also one of the rarest crane species. Whooping Cranes stand 5-feet tall and usually weigh about 10 to 19 pounds. It’s listed as an endangered species because there are about 600 Whooping Cranes left in the wild.

So, what’s with the name? They make a “whoop” sound and do a little dance to attract a mate — kind of like when you’re at a nightclub and lock eyes with an attractive person across the dancefloor. Whooping Cranes are migrating birds that spend winter in Texas and the rest of the year in Canada.

[Phyl]

Whooping Crane Eastern Population Update – December 2024




Below is the most recent update for the Whooping Crane Eastern Migratory Population. During November, most cranes left Wisconsin on their migration south! A huge thank you to the staff of the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Departments of Natural Resources of flyway states, the International Crane Foundation, and all the volunteers who help us keep track of the cranes throughout the year. We appreciate your contribution to the recovery of the Whooping Crane Eastern Migratory Population. This report was produced by the International Crane Foundation.

Photo: Juvenile 24-24 takes flight in Meigs County, Tennessee. Dan Williams

[Phyl]

Continued...


 Population Estimate

The current estimated population size is 70 (36 F, 31 M, 3 U). Sixteen of these 70 individuals are wild-hatched and the rest are captive-reared. To the best of our knowledge, as of 3 December, there are at least six in Wisconsin, 12 in Alabama, two in Tennessee, five in Kentucky, 10 in Illinois, and 31 in Indiana. The remaining birds’ locations have not been confirmed in the last month. Their last known locations (in the past month) are on the map below. Click here to view our interactive Where are the Whoopers map for more details.

Use this link for interactive map
https://whoopermap.savingcranes.org/?_gl=1*mj4pwt*_gcl_au*Njk4MTI5MTMxLjE3Mzg1NDE5NzY.*_ga*MTE2ODI0NDAwOS4xNzM4NTQxOTc2*_ga_50YYYG9GP8*MTczODU0MTk3NS4xLjEuMTczODU0MjIxNC4wLjAuMA..

[Phyl]

In the News – January 2025

https://savingcranes.org/news/resources/in-the-news-january-2025/

[Phyl]

Parent-Reared Whooping Cranes: The Impact of Different Release Methods
https://savingcranes.org/news/resources/parent-reared-whooping-cranes-impact-different-release-methods/





Juvenile Whooping Cranes in their release pen at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Wisconsin.



Whooping Crane juvenile 15-23 (third from left) with adults on their wintering area at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area in Indiana.

[Phyl]

Avian Influenza Updates & Resources


(Updated February 25, 2025)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a highly infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of influenza virus. HPAI viruses can severely affect domestic and captive animals, wildlife, and is a potential deadly risk to human health. Avian influenza mainly occurs in birds and is spread naturally by wild birds. A second strain is spread through poultry. A third type is affecting dairy cattle and is related to bird strains. All these strains are also being detected in wild mammals and mammals living on dairy farms.

Outbreaks of HPAI have been a major cause of crane deaths in the past. It is estimated that over 10,000 Eurasian cranes were killed by the virus in Hungary in the winter of 2023. This is a tragic example of the potential for this virus to sicken wild birds, particularly cranes.

The International Crane Foundation continues to closely monitor the spread of HPAI. We take this issue very seriously. The health and wellbeing of both wild flocks and the cranes held at our Global Headquarters (Baraboo, Wis.) remains of the utmost importance to us, as well as our team. We employ a specialized full-time veterinary staff, which is prepared to take swift action to prevent and manage the spread of HPAI.

This page is intended to provide updates and resources regarding the current situation with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This page will be updated intermittently. For the most current information, check with your state agriculture, natural resources, or public health agency (see State Agency Resources below).

It takes a flock! Our teams are hard at work to protect cranes in wild flocks around the globe, as well as those in human care. You can support this work by becoming a member or donating.

Photo: Demoiselle Cranes flock in Inner Mongolia, China. Ciming Mei

[Phyl]

Expert Updates Webinar: Bird Flu Status and Resources with Dr. Diana Boon, Director of Conservation Medicine
(Recorded 2/11/2025)



https://savingcranes.org/news/resources/avian-influenza/