A whooping crane. (File photo)
HEALTH
BY Rachel Ryan Wisconsin
PUBLISHED 10:52 AM ET Sep. 29, 2025
WISCONSIN — Avian flu has reached the endangered whooping cranes in Wisconsin.
The International Crane Foundation confirmed that an endangered whooping crane named “Ducky” died earlier this month due to the bird flu, marking the first confirmed death of a whooping crane to the virus.
What You Need To Know
The International Crane Foundation confirmed that an endangered whooping crane named “Ducky” died earlier this month due to the bird flu, marking the first confirmed death of a whooping crane to the virus
The foundation said veterinary and animal care teams attempted to provide emergency care to the crane, but it died on Sept. 18
Officials said they believe the virus was given to “Ducky” by a wild bird or through the environment
“Ducky” was part of the foundation’s breeding and reintroduction program, and was slated for direct release this fall at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
The foundation said veterinary and animal care teams attempted to provide emergency care to the crane, but it died on Sept. 18.
Officials said they believe the virus was given to “Ducky” by a wild bird or through the environment.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ducky,” said Kim Boardman, curator of birds at the International Crane Foundation. “Each Whooping Crane is invaluable—not only to our organization, but to the survival of the entire species.”
“Ducky” was part of the foundation’s breeding and reintroduction program, and was slated for direct release this fall at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge.
There are other whooping cranes expected to be released in the same cohort. Those seven cranes may have been exposed, but officials said they haven’t shown symptoms. They’ll remain under observation, and the foundation is also raising its biosecurity protocol to the highest level to protect its flock and staff.
“We continue to monitor every crane in our care and will adjust protocols as needed in consultation with state and federal partners,” the foundation said in a release.
Bird flu is highly contagious and often deadly to affected birds. It can be spread when coming in contact with an infected bird or “commingling with wild birds or their droppings, equipment, or clothing worn by anyone working with the animals.”
Whooping cranes are endangered because there are only about 700 left in the wild in North America, according to the International Crane Foundation.
“Each crane lost is a call to action for all of us,” said Boardman. “Together, we must ensure that Whooping Cranes not only survive but thrive for generations to come.
“It is always difficult to lose a bird, especially a young chick, but these experiences strengthen our resolve to safeguard these cranes and the landscapes they depend upon.”
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