Advancing Our Whooping Crane Species Pledge: 2026 Update
January 29, 2026
On Saturday, February 7, people around the world are coming together for Reverse the Red Day, a global movement driving urgent action for endangered and threatened species. Join us as we shine a spotlight on conservation efforts and the incredible work being done to protect wildlife for generations to come.
Last year, on Reverse the Red Day, we were excited to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the endangered whooping crane by submitting a species pledge. The whooping crane is currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Once teetering on the brink of extinction with only 21 individuals left in the 1940s due to overhunting and habitat destruction, this iconic species has faced immense challenges in its recovery. Since 1992, we’ve been at the forefront of efforts to support their survival, proudly leading Canada’s only conservation breeding program dedicated to whooping cranes.
Our pledge is built on our promise to strengthen our leadership in whooping crane conservation by increasing successful breeding efforts and advancing long-term recovery strategies, while working closely with partners on translocations and efforts to safeguard vital habitats. With the support of our dedicated partners, we are committed to ensuring this magnificent bird not only survives but thrives—helping the population soar to new heights.
Over the last year, we’ve continued to build on and strengthen this work through the following key activities:
- Two whooping crane chicks—‘Klewi’ and ‘Fitz’—hatched at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre on International Whooping Crane Day, marking the facility’s first-ever hatching. Klewi was foster-reared by ‘Gary’ and ‘Inukshuk’, and Fitz was parent-reared by ‘Tim’ and ‘Bombadil’. Both were transferred to White Oak Conservation in Florida, where their future offspring will help strengthen wild populations and breeding programs.
- In May, members of our team travelled to Wood Buffalo National Park to conduct field research alongside partners from the Canadian Wildlife Service and Parks Canada. Their work included collecting images and video recordings, to understand hatch dates, predation rates, and impacts of several factors on nesting success of wild cranes.
- We developed and tested a new portable tool, called a candler, that helps us check if whooping crane eggs are healthy and properly developing while we are out conducting fieldwork. Since large eggs can’t easily be seen through, this kind of tool is a new piece of equipment that will be key to future conservation efforts.
- Our team members attended the 2nd annual Northern Whooping Crane Festival in Fort Smith, hosted by the Thebacha Leadership Council (a collaboration between the Fort Smith Métis Council, Salt River First Nation, Tthebatthı Dënésułıné Nation, and the Town of Fort Smith). The team led educational activities, connected with community members—including youth from the Fort Smith Métis’ culture camp—and shared about the importance of ongoing conservation efforts in the region.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue our work, supporting a brighter future for this species, restoring balance to ecosystems and inspiring hope for generations to come.