Whooping Crane (Grus americana)

Whooping cranes are one of three Canadian bird species listed as globally endangered by the World Conservation Union. The current world population is descended from only 16 individuals. Thanks to a long-term co-operative international conservation effort, whooping cranes have come back from the brink of extinction in the 1940s. Although their numbers are increasing, they remain one of the most threatened of the world's 15 crane species with only about 450 individuals in existence. The long term survival of this species depends on the development of new wild flocks using reintroductions from conservation breeding programs. The Centre for Conservation Research works closely with husbandry and veterinary experts at the Zoo to ensure that as many cranes as possible are released in the wild. This will help to secure a future for this majestic species.

Learn more about whooping crane research!