International Crane Foundation

 International Crane Foundation

The International Crane Foundation  (ICF) is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of cranes and the habitats, watersheds, and flyways on which they rely. The International Crane Foundation, founded in 1973, is situated in Baraboo, Wisconsin, on a 250-acre campus that contains live crane exhibitions of 15 crane species, a visitor center, breeding facilities, a research library, and nature trails. The organization works with local partners across the world including in the United States to raise and protect cranes. The Foundation has a regional headquarters in China and programmer offices in Cambodia, India, South Africa, Texas, Vietnam, and Zambia. The International Crane Foundation's about 80 employees collaborate with a network of hundreds of professionals in over 50 countries across five continents.

 

History

The International Crane Foundation was founded in 1973 by Ron Sauey and George W. Archibald, two Cornell University ornithology students who envisioned an organization that would combine research, captive breeding and reintroduction, landscape restoration, and education to protect the world's 15 crane species. The Sauey family rented their horse farm to Ron and George for $1 per year in 1973 in order to establish the International Crane Foundation near Baraboo, Wisconsin. In 1983, the group relocated to its current site. 

From 1973 through 2000, Archibald served as the organization's director. He pioneered various procedures for rearing captive cranes there, including the usage of crane costumes by human operators. Archibald spent three years as a male crane with Tax, a critically endangered Whooping crane.- strolling, shouting, dancing - to put her in a reproductive state Tax ultimately deposited a fertilized egg, which birthed a chick called Gee Whiz, thanks to his commitment and the help of artificial insemination. 

Hurricane Harvey destroyed the International Crane Foundation's office in Rockport, Texas, in 2017, but it will be rebuilt.

 The office was near the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to the world's last naturally occurring flock of whooping cranes.

Parking and Hours

From May 1 to October 31, our location is open everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In May, September, and October, public guided tours are held at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekends only, and everyday in June, July, and August. The excursions last up to an hour and are themed. Cranes and Culture, Crane Behavior 101, and Spirit of Africa are some examples of subjects.

All of our guests are entitled to free parking. There is handicap parking as well as three electric vehicle charging points.

Admission Charges

Members and visitors

Adults (age 18+) are free.

Seniors (65 and older) $12.50

Youth (ages 6-17): $10.00 Children: $6.00 (ages 5 and under)

School field trips are completely free.

$2.00/Youth (ages 6-17) (ages 6-17)

Adult group excursions

Adult (age 18+): $10.00