New Habitat Opens at the International Crane Foundation, Wisconsin
HOME ON THE RANGE: Grey-crowned crane (Mike Endres/Wanderlust Photos)
This past Saturday, the International Crane Foundation (ICF) unveiled a new 15-acre Spirit of Africa habitat at its headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin. I happened to be up in the area for a visit to nearby Wisconsin Dells with my family, so we dropped by the woodlands facility for a closer look at these majestic birds on the opening day of the new exhibit. The ICF is the only place in the world where you can see all 15 species of cranes, including the endangered whooping crane and red-crowned crane.
Unlike a zoo, where you can sometimes feel quite distant from the animals, the ICF's holding pens and open habitats allow you to get fairly close to these statuesque birds, which have become potent symbols for conservation because of threats to their survival that include habitat loss, predation, and pollution. Being there with small kids was a stark reminder that some of the species we were viewing might not even be around by the time my kids become adults. The ICF is dedicated to worldwide efforts to conserve the species as well as the grasslands and wetlands on which they depend for survival.
The new Spirit of Africa section now allows you to view four species of cranes from sub-Saharan Africa, including the grey-crowned, black-crowned, wattled, and blue crane. Look out, too, for sustainable-energy enhancements that include porous pathways made entirely from recycled glass, a photovoltaic electricity system to power the new buildings, and the addition of prairie grasses in the landscaping to reduce the need for watering. The grounds are a great place to stroll and picnic with kids (especially mine, who were pent up from the car journey). Friendly volunteers are on hand to help with questions, while three free daily guided tours offer more background about the different cranes you'll see as well as the work of the ICF around the world.
The ICF is located less than six miles from the popular summer resort area of Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton. Honestly, it felt quite sobering to leave the ICF's eco-friendly enclaves and be submerged almost instantly in the fantasyland of artificial entertainment that comprises the Wisconsin Dells. However, that was probably what made this our most memorable stop because it doesn't take long to see what's at stake for animals like cranes and other endangered species.
| Email this post | | | Permalink |
Comments