First Confirmed Death of Endangered Whooping Crane due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
MEDIA CONTACT: Ryan Michalesko, Communications & Advocacy Specialist, 608-356-9462 ext. 114
September 29, 2025 – An Endangered Whooping Crane, lovingly named “Ducky,” died earlier this month due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The loss marks the first confirmed death of a Whooping Crane due to HPAI.
Ducky was part of the International Crane Foundation’s breeding and reintroduction program and was costume-reared by the aviculture staff at the Foundation’s headquarters in Baraboo, Wisc. Ducky was slated for direct release into the wild this fall at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, along with seven other Whooping Cranes in this year’s cohort.
Despite the swift emergency care provided by our specialized veterinary and animal care teams, Ducky passed away on Thursday, September 18.
It is most likely that the virus was transmitted to Ducky by a wild bird or through the environment. While the other seven Whooping Cranes in the cohort being held at Horicon NWR for their fall release may also have been exposed to the virus, none show symptoms at this time and remain under careful observation.
Avian Influenza can persist in the environment for extended periods. Wild birds, especially waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans, are carriers of the virus. They often carry the virus asymptomatically, shedding it through feces, which can contaminate water and spread the infection.
There are only about 700 Whooping Cranes left in the wild throughout their native range of North America. With fewer than 70 individuals in the Eastern Migratory Population, the death of just one bird reflects more than 1% of the reintroduced population.
Since Ducky’s death, the Foundation raised its biosecurity protocol to the highest level to protect our flock and our staff. We continue to monitor every crane in our care and will adjust protocols as needed in consultation with state and federal partners.
HPAI is a strain of the avian influenza A virus associated with high rates of mortality in poultry and wildlife, which has severely impacted wild bird populations worldwide. Earlier this year, several thousand Sandhill Cranes in the Eastern Population succumbed to the virus in Indiana. It is estimated that over 10,000 Eurasian Cranes were killed by the virus in Hungary in the winter of 2023. Each of these are tragic examples of the potential for this virus to sicken wild birds.
The threat from HPAI underscores the challenges of conservation in a rapidly changing world. Though conservation efforts have helped Whooping Crane numbers climb from the brink of extinction, they remain highly vulnerable to disease, poaching, habitat loss, climate change, and other threats, which make our work more urgent than ever.
“Each crane lost is a call to action for all of us,” said Boardman. “Together, we must ensure that Whooping Cranes not only survive but thrive for generations to come.”
“It is always difficult to lose a bird, especially a young chick, but these experiences strengthen our resolve to safeguard these cranes and the landscapes they depend upon.”
We invite the community to honor Ducky’s legacy by learning more about our work and supporting our continued conservation efforts. Together, we can ensure these extraordinary birds remain a living symbol of hope and resilience.
Photo: Whooping Crane juveniles in flight by Tom Lynn
