Article #1 in a Series
by Jane Duden
The Beginning
On October 17, 2001, the world's first human-assisted migration of an endangered species took off on the journey south from Wisconsin to Florida.
Joe Duff, Operation Migration
On October 17, 2001, a new future took off for endangered Whooping Cranes. From just 14 remaining in their species in the 1940s, the single wild migratory flock of fewer than 200 birds could be wiped out in a single catastrophe—whether from a late-season hurricane, a chemical spill or a contagious disease. Biologists said it was time to create other wild populations.
A Bold Plan
The idea for teaching young cranes their migration route was first tried by adventurous Canadian pilots with geese trained to follow their tiny airplane and learn their migration route. They called themselves Operation Migration and their story is told in the film Fly Away Home. In 2000, the Operation Migration team tested it again, this time with non-endangered Sandhill Cranes. Finally, the governments of both Canada and the United States were persuaded that the scheme would work.
Approval was sought from two countries, including two Provinces and 20 states and two Flyway Councils. It was all thanks to the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP), a consortium of nine government and private agencies. A route and stopover sites were arranged, and rare Whooping Crane eggs were hatched and the babies raised by costumed humans following strict rules.
On October 17, 2001, the world's first human-assisted migration of an endangered species took off on the journey south from Wisconsin to wintering grounds in Florida.
A Fun Discovery
The first year's cohort showed us that cranes are rather like humans, with leaders, followers, stubborn ones, shy ones, and bullies. They get discouraged climbing to cross high ridges and turn back to try, try again. They can get in dangerous trouble when scared, like good crane #3. He escaped during the journey south when the travel pen was blown down in an October windstorm and died from hitting a powerline while flying in the dark.
First Year Summary
Of the eight birds that departed with their aircraft "parents," two were taken by predators shortly after gaining their freedom in Florida. The fabulous five that returned unaided to Wisconsin in the spring turned this grand experiment into a project that lasted fifteen years and put over 100 wild migratory Whooping Cranes back in the skies of eastern North America today.
Every Crane Has Story
Using the link below, discover more about the founding members (the "Class of 2001"). Why do three of these fascinating birds now live in captivity, and where can you see them? The life stories of the Whooping Cranes in the new flock are proof of the challenges of survival, as well as the challenges of saving an endangered species. See for yourself as you meet every individual crane from the aircraft led years of 2001 through 2015, plus the transition year 2016: