I am very sad to report the loss of wild whooping crane chick #W2-09--the chick hatched last month by the First Family.  The chick was last visually confirmed on June 28 at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge.  On June 29, the chick was obscured by dense vegetation, but the parents’ behavior indicated there was still a chick present.   The following day the pair behaved as if no chick were present.  Subsequent movements and behaviors have confirmed the loss of their chick. 

The other wild-hatched whooping crane, #W1-09, from an ICF captive-produced egg, continues to do well on its parents’ territory in Wood County, Wisconsin. 

Update by Joan Garland, ICF Education Outreach Coordinator/WCEP Communications & Outreach Co-chair.  Report by Richard Urbanek, USFWS.