RETURNING THEIR CALL: PEMBINA PIPELINE CORPORATION AND THE WILDER INSTITUTE PARTNER FOR WHOOPING CRANE CONSERVATION

March 10, 2026

10 MARCH 2026 (Calgary, AB) – Amid the fragile wetlands of North America, the trumpeting call of the whooping crane echoes as a symbol of resilience, recovery, and hope. Once pushed to the brink of extinction, this iconic species is now receiving renewed support thanks to a generous $150,000 contribution from Pembina Pipeline Corporation (Pembina). A committed partner of the Wilder Institute since 2019, Pembina’s continued support is helping safeguard one of North America’s most endangered birds through the Wilder Institute’s Whooping Crane Recovery Program. 

“Pembina’s support is more than a donation. It’s a commitment to supporting the recovery of a species that was nearly lost forever,” said Kathryne Gibson, Director, Development at the Wilder Institute. “This generous contribution helps us explore innovative methods to increase breeding success and secure a wild future for the whooping crane.” 

Central to this work is the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC), the Wilder Institute’s conservation breeding facility. There, the Animal Care, Health & Welfare (ACHW) team works year-round to care for a flock of 15 whooping cranes, most of which are part of established breeding pairs. The ABC’s carefully managed program supports long-term recovery strategies. Together with partners in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program for whooping cranes, the Wilder Institute also works on translocations and efforts to protect vital habitats.  

At the ABC, some crane pairs breed naturally, while others require assistance through artificial insemination (AI). The ACHW team identifies which pairs may require additional support by analyzing video footage to look for breeding activity. AI helps to maintain genetic diversity, increase fertility rates, and allows bonded pairs to stay together, even if they are not genetically ideal matches. It can also support birds with physical limitations that make natural breeding difficult. 

Through reproductive techniques, including artificial insemination (AI), behavioural monitoring, and foster-rearing, the Wilder Institute is working to secure a future for genetically diverse, resilient populations capable of thriving in the wild. 

Among the residents at the ABC are ‘Tim’ and ‘Bombadil’, a bonded pair together since 2014. In May 2025, their offspring —‘Klewi’ and ‘Fitz’ — were the first two chicks to hatch at the facility since the cranes took up permanent residence there. Klewi was foster-reared by ‘Gary’ and ‘Inukshuk’, and Fitz was parent-reared by ‘Tim’ and ‘Bombadil’. Both chicks were transferred to White Oak Conservation in Florida, where their future offspring will help strengthen wild populations and breeding programs.  

While whooping crane numbers have grown to an estimated 703 wild individuals as of 2025, reintroduced populations are not yet self-sustaining. Environmental threats and habitat pressures continue to pose serious risks. That’s why the Wilder Institute’s work—supported by partners like Pembina—is focused on both improving reproductive success and refining strategies for translocation. Alongside its partners and corporate supporters, the Wilder Institute is taking action to help return the call of the whooping crane to wetlands across North America. 

Learn more about the Whooping Crane Recovery Program at  https://wilderinstitute.org/conservation/whooping-crane/.  

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