Cranecasts: Breeding and Reintroduction Program This series of four Cranecasts highlights the major steps in ICF's breeding and reintroduction program. These videos contain brand-new footage of Crane City, ICF’s breeding facility, and the Felburn-Ledigh Chick Rearing Facility. Get up-close and personal with breeding pairs and crane chicks as ICF’s aviculturists explain how ICF accomplishes our conservation mission through our work in Wisconsin. This project was made possible through a grant from the Antonia Foundation.
Part 1: Pairing Cranes In this video you will learn about the techniques ICF's aviculturists use to pair cranes. Pairing cranes is a complex process. At the ICF, cranes are paired through a process called socialization.
Part 2: Producing Eggs In the spring, ICF's crane pairs begin to breed. Female cranes will lay an egg several days after fertilization. These eggs must be kept warm, or incubated, in order for a healthy chick to hatch. In this video, two aviculturists will help you understand how we care for crane eggs at ICF.
Part 3: Raising Crane Chicks Whooping Crane chicks at ICF are being raised for release into the wild. One challenge of raising cranes is making sure they are properly imprinted. ICF has developed innovative techniques for raising captive chicks to ensure that they will associate with their own species once they are released into the wild.
Part 4: Releasing Cranes into the Wild The Whooping Crane was once on the brink of extinction, but thanks to conservation efforts by dedicated individuals and organizations, it is on its way to recovery. One of ICF's North American initiatives is the reintroduction of the Whooping Crane into an eastern migratory flock. This project started with the use of ultra-light aircraft, but has now progressed into a more natural form of reintroduction known as Direct Autumn Release.
Cranecast: Artist in Residence In early March ICF welcomed David Lowther, a young artist from England, as our new Artist in Residence. Through the support of the Society of Wildlife Artists, David spent two weeks at ICF to view cranes firsthand and to develop his understanding of crane behaviors and movements. Learn more about David's experience at ICF by viewing our Cranecast on his residency.
Cranecast: Green Features of Spirit of Africa In June 2009 ICF opened Spirit of Africa, four naturalistic exhibits featuring the crane species of Africa. In harmony with ICF’s commitment to conservation, many sustainable features were incorporated into these exhibits, showcasing green technology, as well as providing a healthier, more sustainable environment for the African cranes. This video was made possible by a grant from the Antonia Foundation.
ICF has been awarded the Focus on Energy Award of Excellence for Sustainability and Energy Efficiencyfor our efforts to incorporate environmentally friendly design features into the Spirit of Africa exhibit.
George & Tex ICF's Co-founder Dr. George Archibald recounts his experiences with the female Whooping Crane Tex in the companion video to ICF's exhibit George & Tex. The exhibit highlights the dedication of a man to save a species - and the unforgettable story of a crane who thought she was a human. The exhibit is on display at ICF's Donnelly Family Education Center through our 2011 visitor season.
Indianapolis Prize: George Archibald
The Indianapolis Prize was first awarded in 2006 to ICF Co-founder Dr. George Archibald for his life-long dedication to crane conservation. View the award video to learn more about Dr. Archibald's work as a global ambassador for cranes and their conservation.
