A Year in Photos

As we reflect on another amazing year of crane conservation, we are highlighting some of our favorite photos from the field. December 2025.

Record-breaking Number of Sandhill Cranes on the Platte River, Nebraska

March. The Central Platte River Valley welcomed roughly 736,000 cranes on March 17, the highest ever recorded number for a single-day aerial survey count. Ryan Michalesko / International Crane Foundation.

Reintroducing Sarus Cranes to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

April. The first cohort of Sarus Cranes, six juveniles, were released in Vietnam’s Tram Chim National park as part of a 10-year cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand, a project that includes restoration to ensure suitable habitat for cranes and other biodiversity. My Ly / Dong Thap Newspaper.

Celebrating Twelve Years of Community Conservation, Rwanda

May. Our staff, along with government officials, partners, and universities, came together to celebrate over a decade of community conservation at Rugezi Marsh, including a new registered office for the project. International Crane Foundation.

Raising the Next Generation of Dinosaurs, Wisconsin

June. Our naming theme for this year’s Whooping Crane chicks was dinosaurs. Arlo, Bambi, Petrie, Ducky, Iggy, Blik, Sinclair, Bronty, Diplo, Trixie, and Cera were raised for release at our headquarters, either by adult cranes or by costumed staff. Ryan Michalesko / International Crane Foundation.

Blog Post

Sandhill Crane Pair Fosters a Gosling, Wisconsin

June. A Sandhill Crane pair in Madison, Wisconsin raised a Canada Gosling, only the third confirmed instance of a cross-species adoption like this one. Triet Tran / International Crane Foundation.

Raising Sarus Crane Twins, Wisconsin

June. Two Sarus Crane chicks were hatched at our Headquarters for the first time in 10 years! Dino and Reptar’s care is part of our effort to increase genetic diversity of the Sarus Crane population in human care through the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Species Survival Program. Ryan Michalesko / International Crane Foundation.

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Historic Training for Young Crane Conservationists, Mongolia

July. A workshop in Mongolia brought together 30 young researchers and experts from China, Japan, Mongolia, Korea, and Russia to strengthen knowledge, exchange experiences, and promote cooperation for cranes and their habitats. Dr. Nyamba Batbayar.

Avocados Save Cranes, Rwanda

August. Our avocado nurseries in Rwanda are taking an exciting leap, grafting seedlings with scions from the world-renowned Hass avocado variety. This means higher income for communities choosing to grow avocado trees instead of farming in wetlands cranes need to survive. Maurice Ngiramahoro / International Crane Foundation.

New Visitor Center Opens Along the Siberian Crane’s Migratory Corridor, Russia

August. A new visitor center in Okhotsk Perevoz, Yakutia, creates a base for long-term monitoring and research on the migration route of rare species, in an area that hosts 90% of the world’s Siberian Crane population during migration.

Banding Wattled Cranes, South Africa

August. Our team banded a Wattled Crane chick to be able to track individuals in the future and better understand the movements of the population. This species was downlisted in South Africa earlier this year. Bradley Gibbons / International Crane Foundation – Endangered Wildlife Trust.

First Confirmed Death of Whooping Crane Due to HPAI, Wisconsin

September. The first Whooping Crane in Wisconsin died due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The threat from HPAI further enforces the challenges of conservation in a rapidly changing world.

Crane Festival Celebrates Ten Years, Kenya

September. More than 1,500 people came together to celebrate the presence of the Endangered Grey Crowned Crane and raise awareness about the urgent need to safeguard this iconic bird and its wetland habitats. International Crane Foundation.

A New Conservation Plan for South Africa’s National Bird, the Blue Crane

September. Our Blue Crane project focuses on habitat restoration, research, threats posed by infrastructure, and landowner partnerships. Jacquie Van Der Westhuizen / International Crane Foundation – Endangered Wildlife Trust. 

New Office Block Strengthens Conservation and Collaboration in Zambia’s Kafue Flats

October. Our newly built office will serve as a vital hub for wildlife management, research, and community engagement in Zambia’s Kafue Flats. Ministry of Tourism Zambia.

Record-breaking Attendance at the Great Midwest Crane Fest, Wisconsin

November. Festival-goers visited our Crane Discovery Center and the Aldo Leopold Foundation to celebrate community, conservation, and the fall migration of Sandhill Cranes on the Wisconsin River.

Festival Website

Our Next Big Step in Whooping Crane Conservation, Texas

December. We are launching a bold new initiative to purchase and restore a strategic property on the Texas Gulf Coast to manage as a Whooping Crane sanctuary. Hank Arnold.