Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and International Crane Foundation staff working together to band Whooping Cranes in Louisiana and share field techniques. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Crane conservation is many things – it is creative, resourceful, compassionate, and, above all else, it is collaborative. The International Crane Foundation is one of many partners dedicated to protecting the future of Whooping Cranes across North America, and to be effective at the work we do with our partners, it is important we continue to collaborate, share knowledge and share skills.

Whooping Cranes are one of many species that form strong bonds with their partners, and once that bond is established with another crane, they will typically remain in that pairing for life. However, it is not unheard of for Whooping Crane pairs to split for various reasons.

Below is the most recent update for the Eastern Migratory Population of Whooping Cranes. In December, the 2023 cohort appeared to be doing well, and the cranes migrated south to their wintering grounds! A huge thank you to the staff of the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Departments of Natural Resources of flyway states, the International Crane Foundation, and all the volunteers who help us keep track of the cranes throughout the year.

Below is the most recent update for the Eastern Migratory Population of Whooping Cranes. During November, the chicks of the 2023 cohort migrated south with other Whooping Cranes, and most cranes are gone from the breeding grounds!

Whooping Cranes are one of North America’s rarest and most endangered species, removed from the eastern United States until a multi-state reintroduction effort began in 2001. Today, this population of Whooping Cranes is growing. However, it is still small and faces human-induced threats such as wetland habitat loss and degradation, powerline collisions, poaching and more.

Below is the most recent update for the Eastern Migratory Population of Whooping Cranes. The rest of the captive-reared birds were released in October, and migration began! A huge thank you to the staff of the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Departments of Natural Resources of flyway states, the International Crane Foundation, and all the volunteers who help us keep track of the cranes throughout the year. We appreciate your contribution to the recovery of the Whooping Crane Eastern Migratory Population. The International Crane Foundation produced this report.

Two Whooping Cranes strike a pose in a harvested sweet corn field in Dodge County, Wisconsin. Paul Hettenhaus

Below is the most recent update for the Eastern Migratory Population of Whooping Cranes. In September, the first captive-reared crane has been released! A huge thank-you to the staff of the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Departments of Natural Resources of flyway states, the International Crane Foundation, and all the volunteers who help us keep track of the cranes throughout the year. We appreciate your contribution to the recovery of the Whooping Crane Eastern Migratory Population. This report was produced by the International Crane Foundation.

Four Oklahoman men were sentenced last week by the United States Attorney’s Office in Oklahoma for the shocking killing of four Whooping Cranes in Nov. 2021. Their sentencing includes restitution totaling $68,000 to the International Crane Foundation, forfeiture of firearms, and nationwide loss of hunting privileges for five years.