United States - August 08, 2024

Bronx, NY, August 8, 2024 – The Bronx Zoo welcomes a rare and significant addition with the debut of a red-crowned crane chick, one of the world's largest and most threatened crane species.

Born on June 8th, the chick can now be seen alongside its parents at the zoo's Northern Ponds. The Bronx Zoo now houses three red-crowned cranes, also known as Japanese cranes or Manchurian cranes.

This breeding initiative is part of the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) SSP (Species Survival Plan), aimed at maintaining a genetically diverse and healthy population of red-crowned cranes. These majestic birds, weighing between 15 to 22 pounds as adults and boasting a wingspan of up to 8 feet and a height of 5 feet, are known for their snowy white plumage with distinctive black facial markings and a striking red crown.

Despite their revered status in Asia for symbolizing good fortune and fidelity, the red-crowned crane faces severe threats in the wild. With fewer than 2,500 individuals estimated to remain, the species is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Factors contributing to their decline include habitat loss, pollution, human disturbance, and hunting.