For immediate release
Contact: Gina Stiles, 904-757-4463, ext. 210

Rare Whooping Cranes Now on Exhibit
at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

February 10, 2007 – Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced today that the endangered whooping cranes, acquired from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in October 2006, can now be seen in their new home in the Wild Florida exhibit. 

These whooping cranes, the rarest of the Zoo’s bird collection and counted among only 499 in total population, came from the whooping crane breeding facility in the Necedah Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin. The cranes were acquired after being eliminated from the Autumn Wild Release program, established by the FWS to reintroduce migratory whooping cranes back into eastern North America, because the hocks in their legs rotated.  This problem commonly occurs in long-legged birds and can be attributed to many different factors, including food, exercise, or genetics, and has the potential to cause some arthritis.  The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens was happy to be able to provide a safe home after the decision was made to place these birds into captivity rather than have them face the inherent risk of danger in the wild.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has supported the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership since 2004.  Its staff has participated in the rebuilding of winter holding pens after hurricanes, as well as the new construction of holding pens.  Now that the Zoo is home to a pair of these extremely rare birds, they will continue to support the partnership by educating their members and guests about the plight of this endangered species.

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment. Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and over 1,500 unique plant species. The Jacksonville Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  It is open year-round, seven days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is located on Jacksonville’s north side at 370 Zoo Parkway, one-half mile east from I-95.  For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.   

XXX