Promising Addition: Experimental Flock in Louisiana Welcomes New Members

We are thrilled to announce that Louisiana's experimental population in Vermilion Parish has recently seen the addition of four magnificent cranes. These remarkable creatures, known as whooping cranes, play a crucial role in conservation efforts as they are an endangered species. For over a decade, dedicated wildlife officials have been diligently working on establishing a self-sustaining population in southwest Louisiana, and the flock now boasts a total of 85 members. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries revealed that three of the juvenile cranes were hatched and nurtured at the Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center in New Orleans. As for the fourth crane, it was skillfully reared from an egg received from the esteemed International Crane Foundation and raised at the Whooping Crane Center of Texas, an offsite breeding facility affiliated with the Dallas Zoo. This fall, it was successfully relocated to Audubon. All four of these captivating birds have recently been introduced to the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area, located in southwest Louisiana, under the supervision of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. This significant milestone is a testament to the unyielding efforts of our partners at the Audubon Nature Institute and the Dallas Zoo, who have played a vital role in our ongoing reintroduction program. Whooping cranes are distinguished by their stunning appearance, characterized by a large white body, a red head, and captivating black facial markings. These mesmerizing creatures stand tall at a height of five feet and spread their wings, showcasing a wingspan of 7 to 8 feet. Notably, their unique aerial displays include the revelation of black wing tips and a fully extended neck and legs. Louisiana's reintroduction initiative, which began in 2011 with the release of ten cranes at White Lake, has witnessed remarkable progress. In 2016, the first chick was successfully hatched, marking an important milestone in our conservation journey. Each crane raised and released brings us one step closer to achieving our ultimate goal of establishing a sustainable population of these magnificent birds in Louisiana. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, including the Audubon Nature Institute and the Dallas Zoo, for their unwavering support in this imperative mission. For further updates and information, please stay tuned. Note: Photography and video footage of the birds have been confidentially shared with related authorities.