Meet Our Animals
The Brandywine Zoo proves that great things do come in small packages. The Zoo features animals from the tropical and temperate areas of North and South America, Asia and Africa. Our animals range from more common species to the highly endangered. All enjoy natural settings and welcome your visit to the zoo. Some animals may be off exhibit during cold weather.
Grus canadensis
Sandhill Crane
Habitat
Geographic Region & Range
Diet
Physical Description
Tall bird with long neck, beak, and legs, a red crown and white throat, gray with tan body feathers that droop over the back end.
Lifespan
Natural Habitat: 20 years
Under Human Care: 20-40 years
Threats
Status
What are AZA Zoos doing for
Sandhill Crane
AZA zoos host and breed many species of cranes that are endangered in the wild in conservation breeding programs (SSPs)- though there is no SSP for sandhill cranes. Organizations like the International Crane Foundation were critical in the recovery of Whooping Cranes, which at one time there were only 15 left in the world. Some species are even being bred using artificial insemination, including sarus, red-crowned, demoiselle, and blue cranes. In protecting habitat and breeding animals, zoos are helping to save crane species from around the world.
Fun Facts
Sandhill cranes defend themselves by jumping and kicking.
Sandhill Crane chicks are also called “colts.”
Cranes are the tallest flying birds. The Sarus Crane, an Asian crane species related to sandhill cranes, is the tallest of this group.
Sandhill cranes can fly 25-35 mph; they typically travel 200-300 miles in a day while migrating, but can reach 500 miles with a good tail wind.
They can reduce the amount of blood in their legs and feet by constricting blood vessels. This allows the cranes to stand in freezing water for hours!
