Summary:
– Whooping cranes Lightning and Kipling are a new power couple at Stone Zoo.
– Whooping cranes are known for their distinctive whooping call and are the tallest North American bird species.
– Zoo New England supports the conservation of whooping cranes and other endangered species.
– Seeing these magnificent birds in person can help raise awareness about conservation efforts.
Whoop–whoop! Something is exciting happening at Stone Zoo. A new power couple has debuted, and they go by Lightning and Kipling. But who are Lightning and Kipling, you might ask? Well, let me tell you about these fascinating creatures and the important work being done to protect them.
First things first, whooping cranes are named after their distinctive whooping call. This call, which can carry several kilometers, allows them to announce their breeding territory to other whooping cranes. It’s a sound that you won’t forget once you hear it. And believe me, it’s a sound worth hearing.
Aside from their unique call, whooping cranes also hold the title of being the tallest North American bird species. Standing at an impressive 5 feet tall, these graceful creatures command attention wherever they go. But their height isn’t their only remarkable feature. Whooping cranes also boast an impressive wingspan of 7 to 8 feet, allowing them to soar through the skies with ease.
Let’s talk about Lightning and Kipling – the new power couple stealing the show at Stone Zoo. Lightning, a 2-year-old male, and Kipling, an 18-year-old female, have been on exhibit together for about three weeks, all thanks to a breeding recommendation from the Whooping Crane Species Survival Plan. It’s an exciting time as we hope to see them form a strong bond, and, who knows, we might even have new hatchlings in the future.
But why is this so important? Let me introduce you to Zoo New England’s commitment to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ SAFE initiative. This initiative aims to harness our collective resources and target specific endangered species, including the whooping crane. By supporting this initiative, we aim to save these magnificent creatures from extinction and restore healthy populations in the wild.
While many people may have heard about whooping cranes, few have had the opportunity to see them up close. Whooping cranes are one of only two crane species found in North America. So, when guests visit Stone Zoo and catch a glimpse of Lightning and Kipling, we hope it sparks curiosity and a desire to learn more about these incredible birds.
But it’s not just about showcasing these birds for entertainment purposes. We aim to raise awareness about the conservation work done daily at Stone Zoo. Visitors can better understand the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats by seeing these magnificent birds in person—every small step towards conservation matters, and we want to inspire everyone to take action.
Witnessing Lightning and Kipling, the new power couple, thrive at Stone Zoo is truly a sight to behold. They remind us that there is still hope for the future and that we can preserve and protect these incredible creatures for generations with the right conservation efforts.
So, watch for Lightning and Kipling the next time you find yourself at Stone Zoo. Take a moment to appreciate their beauty and learn about the conservation work to ensure their survival. Who knows, you might find yourself inspired to join the movement and make a difference in the world of wildlife conservation.
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Source Description
Whoop–whoop! There’s a new power couple at Stone Zoo. Whooping cranes Lightning, a 2-year-old male, and Kipling, an 18-year-old female, have been on exhibit together for about three weeks based on a breeding recommendation from the whooping crane Species Survival Plan.
Whooping cranes are named for their distinctive whooping call, which can carry several kilometers to announce their breeding territory to other whooping cranes. They are the tallest North American bird species and can live up to 30 years. Both males and females grow to about 5 feet tall with a 7- to 8-foot wingspan.
Zoo New England is proud to support the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ SAFE initiative: a commitment to harness our collective resources, focus on specific endangered species (including whooping cranes), and save them from extinction by restoring healthy populations in the wild. While many people may have heard of this species, few have seen them—one of only two crane species found in North America. We hope that when guests see these magnificent birds in person, they will better understand the importance of the conservation work we do every day.
