Black-necked Crane

Did you know?
that local religious beliefs protect the black-necked cranes? They are regarded as supernatural and are featured in religious temples and art.

Photo Copyright by
Eric Kilby

Why do zoos keep this animal

With a population of probably less than 6'000 birds surviving in the wild the black-necked crane has been rated vulnerable by IUCN. In order to build up a reserve population, an International Studbook has been established under the WAZA umbrella. The Studbook is published by the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens and comprised 213 birds in 2005.

How this animal should be kept

During the breeding season, adult black-necked cranes must be kept in pairs to prevent aggression mortality. During the winter half year keeping in larger groups may be possible. Subadults up to 3 years of age may be kept in bachelor groups.

An outdoor enclosure or aviary of at least 300 m² for each pair is required. Ideally, the enclosure should include grass-covered soil planted with sedge grasses and a few low bushes or trees. A shallow pool is advisable for enrichment. Aviaries must be at least 3 m high and should be flight netted to prevent escape and contact with wild birds. Pinioning should be avoided as this may result in decreased reproductive capability. In cold and temperate climates a frost-free indoor enclosure of at least 10 m² is recommended but not absolutely necessary.

Black-necked cranes should be fed a formulated crane diet, or a balanced diet may be designed using plant material and grain mixes to which a moderate amount of minced meat, insects or small vertebrates such as fish, mice, or day-old chicks have been added.

For extensive husbandry and breeding guidelines see Cranes: Their Biology, Husbandry, and Conservation at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/resshow/gee/cranbook/cranebook.htm