The International Crane Foundation of Baraboo, WI, received a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Award for keeping Whooping Cranes safe. Pictured from left are Cindy Dohner, the regional director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Southeast Region; Lizzy Condon, the International Crane Foundation’s Whooping Crane Outreach Coordinator; and International Crane Foundation Board of Directors member Tim Tuff.
Media Contact: Pamela Seelman, 608-356-9462 ext. 120
Baraboo, WI – The International Crane Foundation’s Whooping Crane outreach campaign, focused on reducing human-induced mortality, received a regional Award for Conservation Partners through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region.
The campaign was piloted in Alabama through the work of International Crane Foundation Whooping Crane Outreach Coordinator Lizzie Condon. “Alabama was chosen for this important work because it’s a wintering area for Whooping Cranes in the Eastern migratory population,” explains Condon. “This campaign is so important because these highly endangered birds still only number approximately 500 in the wild.”
Through partnerships with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state and non-government organizations, the International Crane Foundation has produced radio and television public service announcements, billboards, workshops for K-12 teachers, outreach events and even a Whooping Crane mascot, Hope, to raise public awareness to the plight of Whooping Cranes and the need to actively work for their recovery.
In addition, the foundation has been a key partner in expanding participation to more than 4,000 participants in the annual Festival of Cranes held at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama. The International Crane Foundation also has received wide media coverage that has put Whooping Crane protection in the spotlight.
Back from the brink of extinction in 1944 of approximately 20 birds, Whooping Cranes are making a steady comeback. With a wingspan of up to 8 feet and standing at 5 feet, they are the tallest bird in North America. The Whooping Crane’s recovery is one of conservation’s most inspiring stories.
More information about the work of the International Crane Foundation, which works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watershed and flyways on which they depend, is available at www.savingcranes.org.