Crane Discovery Center to Open for Season on May 1 with Avian Influenza Protections in Place
CONTACT: Ryan Michalesko, Communications & Advocacy Specialist, 608-356-9462 ext. 113
April 21, 2025 – The Crane Discovery Center at the International Crane Foundation’s global headquarters is set to open for the visitor season on May 1, at 9 a.m. Due to the ongoing threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), four crane species will not be on display. We’ve been closely tracking the outbreak all winter, and it’s safe for us to open and for everyone to visit. However, we’re being very cautious with these four species, three of which are endangered. We aim to return all species to their summer habitats by mid-May. Until this time, visitors will receive 20% off the price of admission. Learn more about visiting here.
Nestled between the Wisconsin Dells, Baraboo Bluffs, and Wisconsin River, the Crane Discovery Center is the only place to see all 15 crane species from around the globe. The world’s 15 crane species are found on five continents and live in some of the most remote and wild places on the planet. Many also share the landscapes they need to survive with people.
In order to protect our flock from the elevated risk of HPAI, the Crane Discovery Center will open with several protections in place. Namely, four species will not be on exhibit: the Siberian Cranes, Whooping Cranes, Wattled Cranes, and Sandhill Cranes.
“We take this issue very seriously. The health and wellbeing of the cranes in our care at the International Crane Foundation remains of the utmost importance to us,” Drees said. “Under the guidance of our specialized, full-time veterinary medicine team, we continue to closely monitor the spread of this virus.”
HPAI is a highly infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of influenza virus. Avian influenza mainly occurs in birds and is spread naturally by wild birds. In addition to our concern for our Headquarters flock of cranes, the spread of HPAI also impacts cranes in the wild.
Sadly, several thousand Sandhill Cranes in the Eastern Population succumbed to the virus in Indiana earlier this year. It is estimated that over 10,000 Eurasian Cranes were killed by the virus in Hungary in the winter of 2023. This is a tragic example of the potential for this virus to sicken wild birds, particularly cranes.
The Crane Discovery Center is open daily from May 1 – Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Public tours will be held on weekends at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. in May, September, and October; and daily in June, July, and August. Please note we will be closed on Saturday, June 21, 2025, for An Evening with the Cranes. Our annual fundraiser is a magical summer evening with food, wine, and of course the cranes of the world!
We are grateful for the support of our Crane Saver sponsors of this visitor season, Leiden Conservation Foundation and Patti Manigault.
