Where is the First Family's Missing Chick? September 11, 2006 Photo Chris Gullikson The First Family's second chick went missing on September 12, 2006. It was 81 or 82 days old, and knew how to fly. The chick didn't follow it's parents and sibling chick when they flew off the refuge to feed. Did the left-behind chick fly away with other whooping cranes or sandhill cranes? Did predators kill it? Was it sick? Was it unable to find its parents when they left the refuge on September 12? No one knows. No remains of the chick have been found, so that's the good news. A Puzzle for All Never before have scientists and crane experts had the chance to observe a wild crane family. All previous wild crane families have been hatched in the only natural flock. Their nesting grounds in Canada's far north wilderness is far from the sights of scientists and their cameras. Like us, the experts are left to wonder what might have happened to the other of the new flock's first chicks.   Journey North is pleased to feature this educational adventure made possible by the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP). Copyright 2006 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form