Join our zoo community

International Crane Foundation High-Flying Birds at a High-Flying Facility | Review of the International Crane Foundation

Discussion in 'United States' started by Milwaukee Man, 15 Jul 2021.

  1. Milwaukee Man

    Milwaukee Man Well-Known Member 10+ year member

    Joined:
    1 Aug 2011
    Posts:
    3,380
    Location:
    Milwaukee, WI, USA
    Well, this facility seems to have seen a little boost in attention lately. So, why not throw my thoughts into the mix? :p

    Review of the International Crane Foundation


    International Crane Foundation - International Crane Foundation

    The International Crane Foundation can be found in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Two ornithology students, who wished to help conserve the world’s crane species, founded it in 1973. Since that time, the establishment has blossomed into the premiere resource in preserving this group of birds, creating a number of programs across the globe through in-situ conservation, reintroduction programs, and environmental research. Situated on nearly 300 acres, it is most well-known as the only institution on the planet with all 15 crane species – of which around 100 specimens reside at the park.

    It was a real treat to see this facility, especially as it just reopened earlier this year after an excessive overhaul, having been closed since late 2018. Having seen this famous park myself, I can easily say that the renovation job really paid off. Not only does it give off a professional, new, and crisp appearance, but it goes above and beyond in the presentation and conservation of its species. Never have I seen a specific group of animals get this much focus and attention – the effort to help bring a new sense of appreciation and respect is admirable, especially for an animal that one may not think much of at first.

    Animal Exhibit Complexes

    Johnson Exhibit Pod – Based on photos and what I’ve read in the past, this group of exhibits was originally how most of the establishment was set up, with a circle of enclosures surrounding a holding building in the center. At first glance, the exhibits seem a bit basic in presentation, but upon closer inspection, they work quite well for the elegant birds. The enclosures all range from average to good in terms of size, feature nice and scenic ponds, and clumps of tall grass and other foliage complement the shorter grass to help give a more natural appearance. The viewing is primarily through mesh, but there are a couple species where viewing is from an open-air hut – specifically for blue and red-crowned cranes. If I did have to pick one element that is not as successful, it would be that some of the exhibits’ mesh ceilings are fairly low, making these look a little small if the birds wish to hop or dance. Other than that, it’s a set of bird habitats that look simple, but offer a lot at the same time. The crane species here include: sarus, blue, Eurasian (didn’t see), white-naped, hooded (didn’t see), and red-crowned.

    Spirit of Africa – As the name of the complex (which opened in 2009) implies, birds from the Dark Continent are the denizens here. It begins with a black-crowned crane habitat that is similar in design to those in the Johnson Exhibit Pod, followed by a neat education area. It’s an African river display with a wetland mural, a tribal canoe, and a sculpture of a Nile hippo – a nice area for photos! Nearby are two more crane exhibits, for the demoiselle and grey crowned species, that are similar in appearance; each offer a good amount of space, lush greenery with a pond, and up-close viewing through mesh. The biggest area here is home to a pair of wattled cranes; this is the third largest crane habitat at the facility, and possibly this complex’s highlight. The green hills all lead down to a large marsh that looks beautiful and can also be seen via covered overlook, along with the main path that bends around one side of the enclosure. Only briefly did one of the birds stroll down to the pond, but I imagine it is quite a sight to see them lingering or wading through the water.

    Whooping Crane Alcove & Wetlands Experience – This in my opinion is the crown jewel, and a great finale to the facility. Just after the Johnson complex, a minor incline takes one to a slightly open and grassy area. The build-up towards the pavilion is well-done with some interactive elements and other surrounding details. Some of these include finding animal statues that represent a crane’s natural diet, and crane prints in the trail. The covered pavilion beckons, but not before crossing a little bridge over a small marsh, which almost looks like it isolates the visitor area on an island – a nice touch. Tons of interpretive signage and information are the welcome wagon, highlighting how both whooping and Siberian cranes were on the brink of extinction, before intense efforts were put in to conserve them. It’s one of the pinnacles of this facility’s excellent educational displays, especially for one of its most well-known species. Speaking of which, the whooping crane habitat itself is phenomenal, one of the all-time greatest bird enclosures I’ve ever seen. A large amphitheater offers fantastic views over a big marsh by a hillside. One crane remained at the peak of the hill on the far side with only its head shown, while its mate came down to wade along the shore for a while, sometimes investigating the water with its beak. The best component here is how the hill looks like it blends into the forest seemingly just behind it – what a magnificent sight and design! Next door, the Siberian crane habitat (a first for me), while not as strong as their North American relatives, is also a great bird oasis, offering a hilly and grassy landscape fronted by a large pond. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a great view of the species, as the one bird I saw was in a corner near its holding area, but I was thrilled to see this highly rare animal. Off-topic, but where else are Siberians held, as ICF is the only one I know of? On the whole, with its magnificent attention to detail in exhibitry and education, along with displaying two highly endangered species, it is easy to see how this is ICF at its strongest. :D

    Other Exhibits – The very first exhibit can be seen right after paying admission. In the “Welcome Center,” large windows look into a lush, roomy habitat for sandhill cranes, along with outdoor viewing through mesh. Also, across from the Johnson Exhibit Pod, there are two more crane habitats that are not part of any specific area. These are mainly viewable via covered overlook, are a decent size and quality, and are the homes of black-necked crane (another first) and brolga (didn’t see).

    Visitor Experiences

    The Crane Foundation sits on a very large site – almost 300 acres; however, the primary grounds where visitors walk are surprisingly small. It’s easy to not only see the majority of the main site from the entrance path, but also spend about 1.5 hours at this facility at the most. Having said that, the grounds take advantage of the surrounding natural environment very well. There is a multitude of foliage along the main trail, rocks and boulders of varying sizes, the stream near the whooping and Siberian crane exhibits, and a magnificent view of the nature preserves one may hike through if they wish. Furthermore, the shiny new entrance complex looks like it fits into the scenery beautifully. The building design with its traditional-looking bricks and wood looks very pretty; the gathering area before entering is spacious; there are sculptures that look nice and don’t take away from the natural elements; and there is a small gift shop with crane-related goodies to purchase. Speaking of which, most likely because of the property’s size, there are very little/no amenities on offer apart from a few restrooms. The only other visitor area in this establishment is the “Cranes & Culture Plaza,” a small rest area with a pretty water fountain, shady areas to relax, and several conservation features such as oriental-inspired prayer wheels from Nepal. While on the topic of conservation, I would like to finally mention the educational signage and features of this park. Not only is it overall top-notch, but it is also amongst the very best I’ve seen at any zoological park. This is evident immediately after turning around from the ticket booth; there is a large interactive room in addition to the windows into the sandhill crane exhibit. This serves as an introduction to the world of cranes, presenting what makes them stand out, their conservation values, behaviors, and everything else one may wish to know about the birds in question. Beyond that, every single habitat for each species emphasizes the plight they face in the wild, and relaying the efforts the ICF is making to conserve them both in the field and in Baraboo. All the signage and other educational elements are informative, colorful, and very effective. The facility does an excellent job in not just showcasing their animals, but also demonstrating why they are important to maintain on our planet. :)

    HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: Of the birds I saw on display during my visit, it was my first viewing of the black-necked cranes that stood out the most. I enjoyed getting some close views of the animals as they waded in and out of their pond, and occasionally pausing to take vigilance of their surroundings.

    OVERALL: Very few places take an idea or a particular species, and present them in a way that feels fresh or shines a new light on them; the International Crane Foundation is one of these. This establishment displays the Earth’s 15 crane species, while offering fantastic exhibitry and educational displays that offer a new appreciation for these unique birds; in fact, the latter in my opinion is the true magic of ICF. I walked away really impressed with what I saw, and can even see myself returning at some point, particularly for their whooping and Siberian crane area, along with ticking off the remaining species I have yet to see. As a result, I would highly recommend a visit to any zoo enthusiast and bird fanatic out there, as there is truly nothing like it. As long as one is okay with seeing only cranes on their visit, this facility is a worthy alternative to the major zoological parks.
     
  2. birdsandbats

    birdsandbats Well-Known Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    17 Sep 2017
    Posts:
    11,359
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    For your Siberian Crane question, see this thread: thread: Cranes in North America

    ICF is one of only 3 North American holders of Siberian Crane, with the other two being Tulsa and Franklin Park. They are the only US holder of Eurasian Crane (but not the only North American holders, as Assiniboine also keeps them) and the only North American holder of Brolga.
     
    pachyderm pro and Milwaukee Man like this.
  3. Tim Brown

    Tim Brown Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    9 Jul 2007
    Posts:
    645
    Location:
    United Kingdom
    When myself and snowleopard wrote America`s Top 100 Zoos and Aquariums we were more than happy to include the I.C.F. in the addendum of smaller or specialist collections at the end of the book...by which time it had closed for renovations! However,if it was good already, we figured it could only get better! Judging by the excellent review above ,it seems that M.M. was on a first visit and ,to be honest, its difficult to gauge how much has changed since my visit of 2015...nor does it seem that the Foundation has currently got a website(that cannot be true can it?). All in all I really enjoyed my time in Baraboo with,also,the tiny zoo in Ochsner Park,plus you can also see part of Jumbo`s tail at the circus museum! The crazy over-the-top world of Wisconsin Dells is not far away. Back to cranes however,and in visiting over 800 different zoos and aquariums around the world the I.C.F. is one of my favourite specialist collections.Glad to see that it appears to be better than ever.
     
  4. birdsandbats

    birdsandbats Well-Known Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    17 Sep 2017
    Posts:
    11,359
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Both I and @pachyderm pro have visited ICF since the renovation (before MM) and uploaded photos to the gallery.
     
  5. birdsandbats

    birdsandbats Well-Known Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    17 Sep 2017
    Posts:
    11,359
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    And the website is here: International Crane Foundation - International Crane Foundation
     
  6. Tim Brown

    Tim Brown Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    9 Jul 2007
    Posts:
    645
    Location:
    United Kingdom
    Got it - thanks.Looks like they have enlarged/beautified the exhibits in the Johnson Exhibit Pod and generally improved the aesthetics of the place - wonderful.
     
  7. geomorph

    geomorph Well-Known Member 10+ year member Premium Member

    Joined:
    28 May 2009
    Posts:
    1,467
    Location:
    Newport Beach, CA, USA
    Are any of the species exhibited in groups of more than one pair? Is that even possible for the husbandry of cranes?
     
  8. birdsandbats

    birdsandbats Well-Known Member 5+ year member

    Joined:
    17 Sep 2017
    Posts:
    11,359
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Only a pair of each species is exhibited here or anywhere else I've ever been.
     
  9. Hyak_II

    Hyak_II Well-Known Member 10+ year member

    Joined:
    19 Jan 2014
    Posts:
    1,435
    Location:
    Canada
    Generally speaking, adult cranes of most (but not all) species can be flocked together during the non-breeding season, however this requires both a very large exhibit, and large numbers of birds to help distribute aggression from any dominant individuals. It's simply not possible for most facilities either due to space constraints or more often, how many birds they can hold constraints.

    Similarly, young birds can be flocked together for a few years while they wait to hit sexual maturity, and this can actually work extremely well for letting birds form natural pair bonds (which often lead to better breeding results), but the same issue arises, you need large exhibit, and numerous young birds.
     
  10. Milwaukee Man

    Milwaukee Man Well-Known Member 10+ year member

    Joined:
    1 Aug 2011
    Posts:
    3,380
    Location:
    Milwaukee, WI, USA
    Sorry for the delay, but thanks for all the comments about this facility!

    @Tim Brown Yes this was my first visit ever, though I've been wanting to go for a few years. As mentioned above, the Johnson Exhibit Pod area was significantly enhanced to give a more natural appearance (this going off of photos pre-renovation). The other changes not mentioned here include the Cranes & Culture Plaza, new entrance building, a new Siberian crane habitat, and a few species switches.

    There were a few times where I only saw one bird on display, but my visit was towards the end of the day, so its mate could've been inside already feeding or seeking privacy.

    I have uploaded photos from my visit one month ago - enjoy!
     
    StoppableSan likes this.
  11. Milwaukee Man

    Milwaukee Man Well-Known Member 10+ year member

    Joined:
    1 Aug 2011
    Posts:
    3,380
    Location:
    Milwaukee, WI, USA
    I returned to this magnificent facility about a week ago, and had a brief, but great time! :D Here are a few updates/notes:

    - The demoiselle cranes were resting right up in front of the mesh. It was quite fascinating getting an up-close look at the birds with their red eyes and tufts of white feathers protruding towards the back.
    - One of the Siberian cranes was quite active, patrolling the water's edge for a bit, before dipping its feet in and attempting to find a meal beneath the surface.
    - Both the grey crowned and Eurasian cranes (both presumably the males) were displaying and sizing me up when I arrived at the viewing area. It was a pretty interesting experience, and reminded me of last year's trip when the Sarus crane gave me a similar treatment. The Eurasian encounter in particular was the highlight of the day.
    - As reported on here, the Eurasians have had a chick earlier this year. No sign of it unfortunately, but I did see the female resting amongst the foliage, so she probably was sitting with it. And of course, there was the protective father in front of the mesh as noted above.
    - Lastly, my visit marked something of a milestone. Last time, I had missed three crane species: hooded, Eurasian, and brolga. This time around, I managed to see all three of these; while I had seen hooded previously, the Eurasian crane and brolga both mark first-time views for me. As of this ICF visit, I've now seen all 15 crane species of the world! :)

    I have some photos from my visit, and will post them shortly.