The red-crowned crane symbolizes good luck and long life in Asian culture, yet it is the second rarest crane in the world. An increasing human population and industrialization threaten critical habitat. Captive breeding and release programs are helping to bolster wild crane populations.
Red-crowned Crane
Grus japonensis
Fact File
Where to see them: Crane Island
Height: Up to 5 ft
Weight: 15 to 22 lbs
Wingspan: 7 to 8 ft
Habitat: Wetlands
Diet: Aquatic animals and plants
Risk Status: Species at Risk (IUCN—Endangered)
Lifelong Partners:Mated for life, a pair of cranes strengthens its bond through a complex choreography of song and dance.
