Sandhill Crane

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a closer shot of this Sandhill Crane or one without fencing in the background when a group of us had the privilege to visit the Calgary Zoo Ranch, just south of the city, on October 8th. They were at the far side of their enclosure and there is only maybe a foot-wide view through the fencing (and too many photographers with long lenses, lol!) - the rest of the fence is covered so that exposure to human beings is reduced to an absolute minimum.

In 1985, the Devonian Wildlife Conservation Centre (DWCC) opened. Known as the "Zoo Ranch," this land south of Calgary is home to the breeding facilities for the endangered Whooping Cranes, Vancouver Island Marmots, Przwalksi wild horses and Zebra.

Tremendous work is being done there to breed these endangered species, especially the fascinating Whooping Crane. These birds are kept in enclosures and any interaction with the staff is done using white "Crane costumes". The Whooping Crane's lifespan is estimated to be 22 to 24 years in the wild. The Sandhill Cranes can be given Whooping Crane eggs to hatch, which seems to work very well.

Many thanks to Crane Keeper, Dwight Knapik for showing us around for the afternoon and filling us with so much interesting information.