Endangered whooping crane Ducky dies from avian flu

In Wisconsin, an endangered female whooping crane named Ducky has tragically died after contracting a strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, known as avian flu. The International Crane Foundation had been planning to release Ducky into the wild in October 2023, alongside a group of seven other cranes. Ducky was reared in captivity with the guidance of foundation staff who wore crane costumes to prevent her from imprinting on humans. This innovative approach aimed to enhance her chances of survival in the wild. Ducky and her group had been acclimating at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge since August, learning vital survival behaviors essential for their future in the wild. Unfortunately, Ducky showed signs of illness a week before her death, becoming lethargic and stumbling before passing away. The staff of the foundation speculated that Ducky may have contracted the virus either by interacting with an infected bird or through environmental exposure while exploring the refuge. The presence of wild birds, including waterfowl, is a known vector for the virus, which can spread through feces and contaminate water supplies. Following Ducky's death, foundation officials expressed deep sorrow as her passing marks the first time this strain of avian flu has killed a whooping crane, contributing to a concerning decline in the eastern migratory population. With only about 700 wild whooping cranes remaining in North America, and fewer than 70 in the eastern population, the loss of an individual crane has significant implications for conservation efforts. Ducky's death represents a 1% decline in the already critically imperiled eastern migratory population. In an effort to prevent further illnesses among other cranes, conservation staff have taken protective measures, wearing equipment while managing the remaining birds and maintaining a distance from Ducky's group. While none of the other chicks have shown symptoms as of the recent reports, monitoring will continue as the foundation determines whether to proceed with the planned release later this year. The death of Ducky has also drawn attention to the broader implications of avian flu on crane populations and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by conservationists working to protect this threatened species.