Whooping crane News

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Closeup of whooping crane head
May 21, 2026

8 Fascinating Facts About the Whooping Crane, The Tallest Bird in North America ›

Tall, graceful, and among the rarest birds on earth. Here are eight things you probably didn't know about this awe-inspiring species.

Whooping crane chick at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Credit: Chris Crowe/Smithsonian.
July 14, 2025

Meet Our Rare Whooping Crane Chick ›

On June 16, keepers welcomed a new addition to our Front Royal, Virginia, campus — a whooping crane chick, or "colt," the fourth of its kind to have hatched in our care.

Two red-crowned crane chicks among a field of grasses and clovers.
July 17, 2024

Meet Our Rare and Endangered Crane Chicks ›

Three fluffy feathered friends have joined the flock at our Front Royal, Virginia, campus: one whooping crane and two red-crowned crane chicks!

White-naped crane chick receives a meal worm from its parent.
June 17, 2022

First Whooping Crane Hatches at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute ›

For the first time, a whooping crane—one of the most endangered species of crane in the world —hatched May 26 and is thriving at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia.

A close up of a whooping crane in profile.
June 04, 2021

Q&A: What Is It Like to Care for a Whooping Crane? ›

Whooping cranes are graceful, expressive and curious creatures. Get acquainted with these big, beautiful birds in this Q&A with Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute keeper Chris Crowe.

Two bison -- large mammals with thick fur coats, rounded sharp horns, big heads and large shoulder humps -- walk through tall grass at sunset
December 27, 2018

2018 Conservation Wins, Part One ›

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is dedicated to saving species. Every year, its team of conservationists here and around the globe works hard to make that mission a reality — and 2018 was no exception.

Smithsonian logo
December 18, 2018

New Whooping Crane Breeding Facility Opens at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute ›

Twelve whooping cranes, one of the most endangered species of crane in the world, moved to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, Dec. 16. The six mated-pairs will be the founding members of SCBI’s whooping crane research and breeding program, and the chicks that...