Give a Whoop!

By Laura Deering

Black Crowned Crane (International Crane Foundation).

Elegant, mystical, and captivating, are the words that come to mind when I think about cranes.

Seeing them in person while beachcombing feels like a special honor, an exclusive VIP members-only invite. I often react subconsciously, drawing in a silent breath while freezing my pose to bask in wonderment, silently wishing for more time to admire and observe.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was a place to see these long-legged waterbirds in their natural habitats? Dream no more, this special place exists and is the only place in the world that has all 15 species in one location and is open to the public.

Entrance sign (Laura Deering).

International Crane Foundation

If you are like me, the term “international” conjures up somewhere exotic and perhaps a challenge to visit. So, it was with amazement to learn that the International Crane Foundation is in the heart of Wisconsin, USA, and that they have all 15 crane species representing five continents. It is also conveniently within a few hours’ drive from major cities, like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee.

This gem was recently renovated in 2021 with intentional planning and goals, such as having mated pairs, encouragement for growth, and representing each species’ habitat and culture. It also highlights the local Wisconsin environment resplendent of hardwood trees, rollicking hills, and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy this landscape too, thanks to the Center’s hiking trails through restored prairie and oak savannah. And let’s cut to the chase—yes, the gift shop is delightful.

Eggs in incubator (International Crane Foundation). Whooping Crane chick (International Crane Foundation). Sarus Crane (International Crane Foundation).

Why Wisconsin?

For years it has become apparent many birds are impacted by factors of human growth, such as loss of habitat, light pollution, and insecticides. Among bird families, cranes are the most endangered of all. The Whooping Crane has been doubly affected, as it is regularly hunted for its beautiful plumes. To protect losing this American crane forever, an innovative approach was needed, and the Foundation was key in their comeback story.

Since Whooping Cranes summer in Wisconsin, it was a natural fit for their rebound plan to occur in their familiar habitat.

Whooping Crane family (International Crane Foundation).

Over the years, The International Crane Foundation has participated in raising chicks in captivity and then transitioning them successfully into the wild. This sometimes involves staff members playing parent and donning full-length crane costumes. This is so the chicks imprint on Whooping Cranes. The outfit also has a puppeteer hand to mimic the parent’s long neck and head. Once matured they are prepared for life in the wild (fingers crossed).

Cranes of the World entrance (International Crane Foundation).

Cranes and Cultures

What is it about cranes? They are symbolic in many cultures. In various Asian cultures, they are a powerful icon, often representing longevity, honor, and justice. Ancient Egyptian royalty held them in high regard as birds of first rank, decorating the walls of temples and tombs with crane hieroglyphs. The Greeks and Romans correlated the bird’s song and dance with the celebration of life and joy. Closer to home, the Whooping Crane is revered for its distinctive whooping sound and entrancing dance by some Native American tribes.

Tibetan prayer wheels (International Crane Foundation).

Crane Displays

At the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin, visitors can leisurely stroll through outdoor displays that resemble various crane habitats, decorated with cultural elements of their native area. Recreated are savannas, ponds, and marshlands representing parts of the world, such as Africa, South America, and the Himalayas.

My favorite was the Himalayan Crane display. Greeting you before entering the habitat are huge Tibetan prayer wheels. Spinning the large brass wheels felt like connecting to not only the bird but also to the other places it calls home.

Each display area also has large painted murals depicting their environmental background. The informative signs share facts and figures while calling out significant concerns. It was fascinating to learn that Sandhill Cranes make a 14,000-mile round trip when they migrate. And, Sarus Cranes sometimes fly as high as jets, topping out at six miles.

Viewing the colorful plumage, seeing their size, and gazing into the eyes of the cranes was transformative and emotional. The range of colors, feather styles, and personalities were a hoot. Often in the spring where I live in Minnesota, the herald of spring’s arrival is the Sandhill Crane. Their powerful screeching song sounds like the Jurassic Park soundtrack; however, it is comforting knowing the Sandhills are back and spring is on its way.

Up Close and Personal

Wisely, the layout of the refuge leaves the best for last—the United States Whooping Crane. Here resides the tallest bird in the country, and one of the rarest. During a group tour, the instructor laid out the story about this amazing beauty. Large storyboards with photos highlight its journey from extinction to re-bound. It was humbling and mind-blowing to learn Whooping birds in 1940 were down to 21 survivors, and now there are over 650 wild Whooping Cranes. Let’s pause for a moment…21 left, and now hundreds. This miracle is deserving of Margaret Mead’s famous quote “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Victor Bakhtin landscape painting (Laura Deering). Storyboard showing the number of remaining Whooping Cranes (Laura Deering).

In front of the habitat rests an aerial mural depicting the local Midwest environment where Whooping Cranes reside in the warmer months, with steep wooded bluffs, the Mississippi River meandering through, hemmed by wide lush wetlands, and dotted with checkered farms. This depiction reflects one of the largest bird migration routes, that of the Mississippi flyway. Joining Whooping Cranes are another 325 bird species, including 40% of shorebirds, that twice a year make their migration journeys. Wisconsin’s Whooping Cranes leave for Florida and Tennessee in the fall and return around May.

Yes, this invisible path in the sky during the spring brings up pelicans from Florida, Cuban hummingbirds, and tundra swans flapping their way to the Arctic. It was then that it struck me how we’re all connected to this beauty, and to give a whoop.

Sandhill Crane (Ted Thousand).

Give a Whoop!

Once inside the Whooping Crane infinity pool display, it felt like entering a house of worship. We visitors hushed our voices and stopped in our tracks in awe—here were two Whooping Cranes peacefully communing with each other. Quietly, sinking into our auditorium seats, we learned more about the program of raising Whooping Cranes. It still is a fragile balance. The hatching of the egg, nurturing the chicks, then the nail-biting release into the world.

Thankfully, progress continues. A chick, instead of migrating, hunkered down through a tough Wisconsin winter. Per the Department of Natural Resources, “This wild chick represents several milestones toward the ultimate goal of establishing a self-sustaining migratory flock.” Hope soars on.

Their success also depends on all of us. At the end of the program, a small pamphlet was handed out with identification tips and how to give a whoop.

• Give them space: Enjoy from a distance of at least two football fields (200 yards), and do not share their locations on social media.
• Be a good neighbor: Respect protected migration areas that are marked off-limits. Birds fly through a variety of landscapes, and protection of these areas is key to their migration.
• Support conservation efforts: Any project, activity or funding that promotes the population of cranes and their habitat.

Often cranes’ life journeys reflect ours. We too have our moments of blue skies, gales, storms, and brilliant sunrises. As Emily Dickinson shared from the heart: “Hope is the thing with feathers.”

This article appeared in Beachcombing Magazine Volume 42 May/June 2024.