Bringing Back the Cranes
What happens during a year in the life of a Whooping crane? We are witnessing an important time for this endangered species. The still-fragile population is slowly climbing from an all-time low of just 15 wild migratory cranes in 1941. The long-term recovery goal is a self-sustaining population of at least 1,000 Whooping cranes in North America by 2035. Discover how North America's tallest bird spenda a life span that may last over 20 years, and keep up with efforts begin made to save this iconic species.

Tale of Two Flocks: The Story Unfolds
This spring, from February to May, we will highlight the seasonal and life events of both flocks in six news updates tied to the exciting real-time events. Meet the birds and share their journey. Explore a rich collection of slideshows, bird biographies, video clips, real-time maps, and engaging activities.

Western Flock: The Last Natural, Wild Migratory Flock
Since the time of dinosaurs, Whooping cranes have migrated between their wintering grounds on the Gulf Coast of what is now Texas and their breeding grounds in northern Canada. From a low of just 15 birds in 1941, this flock's population rose to a record 281 birds in 2011. When will we see the count reach 300?

Eastern Flock: The New, Reintroduced Migratory Flock
Experts decided it was risky to have all the Whooping cranes in a single flock. That's why they started a second flock of migratory Whooping cranes in 2001. To start this new flock, scientists took eggs laid by Whooping cranes in captivity. The first chicks were hatched in 2001 and raised by humans dressed in special costumes. With no wild parents to teach the way, they learned their fall migration route by following pilots flying ultralight aircraft. These pilots, from an organization called Operation Migration, led the young cranes to wintering grounds in Florida. Each autumn since 2001, Operation Migration pilots have led a new group of captive-bred chicks on the same "eastern" migration route between Wisconsin and Florida.

In 2005, Direct Autumn Release (DAR) was added to grow the flock. Every autumn, captive-hatched, costumed-raised chicks are set free among older cranes in Wisconsin. When it's time to migrate, these chicks follow the older cranes to learn the route. Wild-hatched chicks in the new flock are learning to migrate by following their own parents.

Following the Cranes and Celebrating Survival
Biologists are working hard to establish additional Whooping crane populations in North America with ongoing reintroductions in Wisconsin (migratory) and Louisiana (nonmigratory). Species recovery is a long-term challenge. Journey North celebrates the stories of survival as we follow the annual cycle of this endangered species of long-lived birds!