A Great White Bird
Synopsis
Only 60 wild whooping cranes remain today, a stark increase from just 18 counted in 1937 at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas.
Synopsis
Robert Porter Allen, a dedicated advocate for the whooping crane, spent 18 months studying the bird at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. In 1937, only 18 whooping cranes were counted in the wild. Despite conservation efforts spanning nearly 40 years, the population has only increased to about 60. The film details the challenges faced by Allen and fellow conservationists, including Fred Bard of the Saskatchewan Natural History Museum, as they work to protect this rare species from extinction through education and innovative breeding programs.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Robert Porter Allen, a tireless champion for whooping cranes.
- See the unique foster parent program for whooping crane chicks.
- Find out about the threats facing the whooping crane population.
Did You Know
- In 1937, there were only 18 whooping cranes counted at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
- The current wild population of whooping cranes is about 60, increasing by only one bird a year.
- Robert Porter Allen took 18 months to study the whooping crane at close range.
- Nine out of 14 whooping crane eggs hatched successfully when raised by sandhill cranes.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
How many whooping cranes were counted in 1937?
In 1937, there were only 18 whooping cranes counted at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
What is the wingspan of an adult whooping crane?
The wingspan of an adult whooping crane may be 8 feet.
How many whooping crane chicks were hatched by the sandhill crane foster parents?
Nine healthy whooping crane chicks were hatched out by the sandhill crane foster parents.
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