International Crane Foundation Relocates

Migratory Whooping Crane from Suburban Chicago

A Whooping Crane was reported by local birders in a residential neighborhood of Wilmette, a suburb of Chicago, Tuesday morning. The crane is a member of the Eastern Migratory Population of reintroduced Whooping Cranes and was raised and released to the wild by the International Crane Foundation. Given the threats of such a high-traffic area, the International Crane Foundation, along with veterinary professionals and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, intervened this afternoon to capture and relocate the crane to safety. The crane is believed to be in good health, based on assessment by veterinary professionals on site. Whooping Cranes are one of the rarest and most endangered bird species in North America. Their total population is estimated at just 831 individuals globally. We are appreciative of local residents and the Chicago birding community for alerting the Foundation of the bird’s location.

The International Crane Foundation works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend. We provide knowledge, leadership, and inspiration to engage people in resolving threats to cranes and their diverse landscapes. From its 300-acre headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the ICF reach extends across the globe, with offices and staff in China, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa, as well as Texas. It works through strong partnerships with local organizations, governments, universities, businesses, and others in these regions. More than 125 ICF staff and partners work with a network of hundreds of specialists in 50 countries on five continents. The Foundation is committed to a future where all 15 of the world’s crane species are secure. Through the charisma of cranes, ICF envisions a future where people work together for wild crane populations and the landscapes they depend on – and by doing so, find new pathways to sustain our water, land, and livelihoods. Visit savingcranes.org for more information and to support the work of ICF.