The Legand of S25: The Resilience and Hope of the Siberian Crane 

Photo: A flock of Siberian Cranes rests at Momoge National Nature Reserve in Jilin Province, China. Pan Shengyu

In the vast sky, the Siberian Crane, with its graceful figure and tenacious migratory journey, has become a legend of nature. Among these migratory birds, there is a female Siberian Crane whose life has written a touching story. She is S25, a name remembered by countless people, a symbol of courage, resilience, and hope. 

A Turning Point in Life: Rescue and Rebirth

On the morning of October 21, 2017, sunlight filtered through the mist over the expansive wetlands of the Momoge National Nature Reserve in Jilin Province. On this day, Jim T. Harris, former Vice President of the International Crane Foundation, and Jiang Hongxing, Deputy Director of the National Bird Banding Center, were conducting a synchronized survey of Siberian Cranes and other migratory waterbirds during the autumn season. This was already their sixth year following the migration route of the eastern population of Siberian Cranes, embarking on this challenging journey. 

However, during the survey, an unexpected discovery gripped everyone’s hearts. At the edge of a small wetland in Momoge, a Siberian Crane lay weakly, seemingly exhausted. Jim and Jiang Hongxing quickly approached to examine her. After a careful check, they found that the crane had become weak due to the long migration and lack of food. Her eyes reflected helplessness, yet they also sparkled with a desire to live. 

“We must save her!” Jim said firmly. So, Jim, Jiang Hongxing, and the staff of the Momoge National Nature Reserve carefully brought the crane back to the rescue station. Over the next week, they worked day and night, providing meticulous care. They nourished her, treated her wounds, and cared for her as if she were family. Finally, on October 27, the crane recovered. She was fitted with a band labeled S25 and a satellite tracker, and she spread her wings to return to the wild. At that moment, the sunlight bathed her, as if cloaking her in golden armor. Her journey had just begun, and it provided scientists with a precious research opportunity. 

A Journey of Miracles: Record-Breaking Migration

S25’s migration was a journey filled with challenges and miracles. After six years and 55 days of tracking, her story became a legend in the history of Siberian Crane migration. 

First, she is the Siberian Crane with the longest-known satellite tracking period. From October 27, 2017, to December 20, 2023, she lived through 2,246 days of migration, facing countless hardships. During this time, she crossed mountains, rivers, and deserts, braving harsh weather and unknown dangers. Yet, with incredible survival skills and adaptability, she repeatedly pushed her limits. 

On October 6, 2021, S25 and her family encountered a sudden snowstorm in the Songnen and Liaohe Plains of northeastern China. The temperature dropped by 15°C, trapping the cranes in the cold north, unable to migrate south in time. However, S25 was not deterred by the difficulties. On November 9, she, along with her mate and young crane, boldly headed south into the snowstorm. It was a race against time. She completed a 2,200-kilometer migration in 62 hours, stopping only once for 16 hours. This feat not only amazed observers but also broke the record for the longest continuous flight by a Siberian Crane—37 hours covering 1,700 kilometers, averaging 46 km/h. During that long flight, she overcame unimaginable difficulties with unwavering determination and resilience. Her wings carved graceful arcs in the snowstorm, as if declaring to the world the immense power of life. 

Warm Companionship: The Power of Family

On this long migratory journey, S25 was not alone. On November 18, 2020, monitoring at Poyang Lake captured precious footage of S25 and her family of three. In the images, S25, her mate, and their young crane stood close together, strolling by the lake, enjoying a rare moment of peace. In that moment, we saw the Siberian Crane’s commitment to family during migration. No matter the challenges, they never left each other, facing everything together. This family bond gave S25 the courage to persevere through the difficult journey. They shared food, defended against dangers, and welcomed each dawn and dusk together. S25’s actions exemplified love and responsibility. 

The Final Farewell: An Eternal Memory

However, fate is often unpredictable. On December 20, 2023, S25’s satellite tracker suddenly showed abnormal signals. On December 25, staff from the Jiangxi Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve anxiously went to investigate, but unfortunately, they could not find S25. It wasn’t until December 30 that experts and volunteers confirmed and successfully retrieved S25’s remains using a drone. After examination, she showed no external injuries or signs of poisoning, and the exact cause of death remains under investigation.

S25’s passing left countless people heartbroken. Although her life has ended, her story remains an eternal memory. She is not only a legend of migration and survival but also a significant contribution to the conservation of Siberian Cranes. Her migration data provided scientists with valuable research material, helping us better understand the ecological needs and migration routes of Siberian Cranes. At the same time, her story reminds us of the contributions of Jim T. Harris. As a Senior Vice President of the International Crane Foundation, he dedicated his life to protecting Siberian Cranes and other endangered species. S25’s journey was his final gift to the world. 

Today, after scientific processing, S25’s specimen has been completed and is on display at the education center of the Wucheng Station in the Jiangxi Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve. She stands there quietly, as if telling her story. We hope that through S25’s story, more people will understand the hardships of Siberian Crane migration, and that her courage and resilience will inspire more people to join the cause of protecting these magnificent birds. 

S25, your life may have been short, but your spirit will forever shine in our hearts. You have shown us the meaning of resilience and hope. You have made us believe that as long as we work together, we can protect this beautiful home and allow more Siberian Cranes to soar freely in the sky.