Caring for fifteen different crane species from around the globe is no small feat, but the International Crane Foundation does that and more. Located in Baraboo, the center has all fifteen crane species on exhibit. I went to learn more about their work in crane conservation.
Cranes are an important part in many cultures, especially in Asia. In many of the Asian countries, cranes signify happiness and longevity. When a crane flies over an agriculture field, it is seen as good luck. Due to these reasons, many people are fighting to keep the crane populations alive and well. The Crane Foundation fights to keep sustainable populations of cranes globally. When I went, I got to see firsthand the beauty of these birds, and understood why they are so important in many cultures.
I learned a lot about the Foundation and cranes in general. I didn't know that not only does the Foundation have cranes on exhibit, they keep breeding populations not on exhibit, in an area known as 'crane city.' Due to the recent avian flu, they are keeping some of the exhibit cranes there as well. In this populations they have had many scientific achievements, including the first breeding of endangered Siberian cranes in captivity. One of the other interesting facts I learned is that cranes and other wildlife frequent the Demilitarized Zone between North Korea and South Korea as there is little human activity there.
One of the other issues we talked about was the proposal to have a sandhill crane hunt in Wisconsin. While the sandhills are not endangered or close to it, the main argument against it is that cranes mate for life, and if one gets shot the other will become distressed. I don't have enough information to have an opinion on this, but unless the crane population has become overrun, I would be somewhat against this.
Finally, the guide told us the story of George and Tex. George Archibald, one of the founders of the International Crane Foundation, had bonded with a female whooping crane named Tex. Tex had imprinted on him, and believed that she was human as well. She did not care for any of her species. Because the whooping crane population was extremely low, Archibald decided to become her 'mate.' For three months he lived in a small hut in her enclosure, with only his typewriter for company. He mimicked her dances and stayed with her. Eventually, the scientists were able to artificially inseminate her, and she laid one egg. That chick went on to sire many generations of whooping cranes, and helped save the species.
Learning about the work at the Crane Foundation helped me realize that there are so many different foundations/organizations in the natural resources realm to work for other than the DNR or USFWS. I would love to work globally and see impacts from all over the world.