History:

CONSERVATION: The Phoenix Zoo supports the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association's (RWCA's) efforts to conserve grey crowned cranes. RWCA works to end the illegal trade of crowned cranes in Rwanda, rehabilitate and reintroduce privately held captive cranes to the wil and monitor reintroduced cranes. This project also works with communities to protect cranes while providing benefits to community members.

LEARN MORE HERE: https://www.rwandawildlife.org/saving-endangered-grey-crowned-cranes/

More Information:

• Fastest disasppearing crane species

• Found in the wetlands and grasslands of eastern Africa

• Named for long, stiff, bristly golden feathers that create a halo on their heads

• Height: 3.5 ft

• 6 ft wingspan

• Weight: 6-10 lbs

• Generalist Diet: seeds, grasses, grains, insects

• Will stamp their feet while foraging to flush out insects

• Will also follow buffalo and wildebeest to eat insects disturbed by their movements

• Monogamous, mate for life

• Crowned cranes dance to attract mates, strengthen bonds with their partners, relieve tension, and deflect aggression.

• Dance moves include bowing, arching the neck back, head shaking, circling, bouncing, and short flights accompanied by loud honking vocalizations.

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