AGAINST THE ODDS: ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS CANADA WORK TO SAVE SANDHILL CRANE FROM DEADLY ILLNESS

October 28, 2025

28 OCTOBER (Calgary, AB) – In June 2019, a tiny sandhill crane chick hatched at the Wilder Institute. Six years later, that same bird, named ‘Memphis’, faced one of the greatest challenges of his life — and survived, thanks to the swift coordinated efforts of a heroic team of veterinarians, veterinary technologists, animal care staff, and university professionals. 

Last month, staff at the Wilder Institute’s Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC) noticed sudden alarming changes in Memphis’ behaviour: rapid and progressive weakness and incoordination. Memphis was examined by the Animal Health team and transferred to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s Animal Health Centre for intensive care and diagnostics. Testing for more common viral diseases was negative, with his clinical signs pointing to avian botulism, a potentially deadly condition coinciding with an outbreak affecting birds at the neighbouring Namaka Lake. The Animal Health team knew that every moment counted. With sandhill cranes living approximately 20–25 years in human care, Memphis still had many vibrant years ahead — and they were determined to give him that future. 

Despite intensive care, Memphis’ condition continued to decline. With no commercially available antitoxin for birds in Canada, the Animal Health team explored every possible avenue. Local equine veterinary clinics, which carry it for horses, and Alberta Health Services, which treats botulism in humans, were unable to provide the lifesaving treatment. Time was critical. 

Highlighting the collaborative nature of veterinary medicine, the Animal Health team reached out to a large animal internal medicine colleague at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM), who happened to be visiting her colleagues at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) in Guelph. OVC offered to sell the only remaining 500 ml bag of equine botulism antitoxin plasma they had in frozen storage, and the Wilder Institute made the easy decision to purchase it in the effort to save Memphis’ life. The UCVM colleague drove the plasma to the FedEx warehouse on a Friday night, and by Saturday it was in Calgary. The Animal Health team carefully administered the required 5 ml dose intravenously over two hours, monitoring Memphis closely for any adverse reactions. 

The result was almost immediate: within 24 hours, Memphis began showing dramatic improvement in his strength, but the fight wasn’t over. Over the next few days, the Animal Health team worked long days and nights nursing Memphis back to health, devising creative therapies including supportive slings and aqua therapy to help him regain strength in his legs. Their perseverance paid off — he started to eat on his own and was able to stand within four days of treatment. After two weeks at the Animal Health Centre, Memphis had recovered to almost full health and was returned to his home at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre, where he continues to thrive under the care of the Animal Care, Health & Welfare team. 

“Memphis’ recovery is a testament to the power of collaborative partnerships and swift action,” said Dr. Doug Whiteside, Head Veterinarian and Senior Manager, Animal Health at the Wilder Institute. “It takes a village — veterinary staff, animal care staff, and university faculty working together — to protect wildlife and give animals like Memphis a second chance.” 

“Supporting Memphis through his recovery has been an incredibly moving experience for our team,” said Caitlin Slade, Animal Care Manager (Archibald Biodiversity Centre) at the Wilder Institute. “It’s a powerful reminder of why we dedicate ourselves to animal care — that every action, every late night, and every bit of care we give can make the difference between life and loss. Memphis’ strength and spirit inspire us, and we’re so grateful he’s still with us today.” 

Memphis’ journey from a chick hatched in 2019 to a survivor of a life-threatening illness is a powerful reminder that conservation isn’t just about protecting species in the wild; it’s about the extraordinary care and heroic lengths people across organizations will go to give animals a chance to live their best lives. 

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For more information contact: 

Alison Archambault
Director, Brand & Public Relations
403.232.7766 | 403.919.9482 | mediarelations@wilderinstitute.org   

The Wilder Institute is a global authority on wildlife conservation, reintroducing threatened species to the wild and empowering communities to conserve and sustainably manage their own natural resources to positively impact both nature and communities. Our passionate team of staff and volunteers is committed to building a future where people and wildlife thrive, together. Through an inclusive conservation approach and innovative science, we work to save threatened and endangered species and return them to the wild, where our planet needs them to be. We proudly own and operate the Archibald Biodiversity Centre, Canada’s largest conservation breeding and research facility. Our expertise lies in conservation breeding and community conservation, using a collaborative approach to work alongside communities and create lasting benefits for both nature and people. Join us in making the world a wilder place—learn more at WilderInstitute.org.