The Wilder Institute’s Archibald Biodiversity Centre has marked a milestone with the first-ever hatching of whooping cranes at the facility, bringing new hope to the conservation of one of North America’s most endangered birds. The two chicks hatched on May 28, coinciding with Whooping Crane Day.The births come from long-time pair Tim and Bombadil, who laid two fertile eggs. One chick was raised by the pair, while the second was foster-incubated by another bonded duo, Gary and Inukshuk, whose physical limitations prevent natural breeding. Foster parenting is a key strategy in the species’ recovery, said Caitlin Slade, animal care manager at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre.The new chicks, covered in soft, rusty orange down, are healthy and continuing to grow under expert care. The Wilder Institute runs Canada’s only whooping crane conservation breeding program. The birds were once nearly extinct, with only 21 left in the wild by the 1940s due to hunting and habitat loss. Today, their wild population has grown to an estimated 698.The two new arrivals may one day be released into one of two reintroduced populations in the U.S. or may support breeding programs to help ensure the species’ survival. “Every successful hatch is critically important,” said Diana Christie, conservation program manager. “These chicks will help build a stronger foundation for the future of whooping cranes in North America.”The chicks are expected to transfer to the International Crane Foundation’s care this fall as part of an ongoing international conservation partnership.
