Life in the Flock: The Unlikely Reality of Working with Cranes
Every day, I put on a peculiar costume and assume the role of a crane parent. It's a far cry from my reality as a senior aviculturist at the International Crane Foundation in Wisconsin, but it's an essential part of our conservation efforts. We're dedicated to safeguarding 15 crane species that are endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, climate change, and hunting.
My day begins with feeding time, where I carefully feed chicks cricket and grasshoppers while wearing a puppet head and wing costume. It may seem absurd, but the chicks respond remarkably well to our efforts. We've developed an elaborate system of costumes, from detailed puppet heads to pants that match the color of cranes' legs, to mimic adult behavior.
As I go about my duties, I'm acutely aware of the importance of imprinting on the chicks. This process allows them to identify us as their parents and learn essential survival skills without human interaction. However, it can be challenging for new staff members to suppress their natural reactions, especially when a plane flies overhead or a child laughs at the sight.
To address this issue, we provide our staff with an immersive experience by hiding MP3 players under the costume and playing recordings of real adult cranes. This subtle cue helps them get into character and avoids reacting as humans. It's a delicate balance between authenticity and anonymity.
One of the most rewarding moments for me is when the chicks take flight. We coach them to mimic adults' "pre-flight" call, stretch out their wings, and prepare to leave the ground. Watching them soar through the sky is an exhilarating experience that makes me feel like a proud parent.
While our ultimate goal is to establish self-sustaining populations where cranes can thrive without costumes, I wouldn't miss my interaction with these incredible creatures for anything. For now, it's a small price to pay for the chance to contribute to their conservation and help safeguard their future.
In the end, working in costume may seem strange, but it's an integral part of our mission to protect these magnificent birds. As I put down my puppet head and wing, I'm reminded that our work is far from over – there are still 10 crane species threatened with extinction, and we're determined to make a difference.
Every day, I put on a peculiar costume and assume the role of a crane parent. It's a far cry from my reality as a senior aviculturist at the International Crane Foundation in Wisconsin, but it's an essential part of our conservation efforts. We're dedicated to safeguarding 15 crane species that are endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, climate change, and hunting.
My day begins with feeding time, where I carefully feed chicks cricket and grasshoppers while wearing a puppet head and wing costume. It may seem absurd, but the chicks respond remarkably well to our efforts. We've developed an elaborate system of costumes, from detailed puppet heads to pants that match the color of cranes' legs, to mimic adult behavior.
As I go about my duties, I'm acutely aware of the importance of imprinting on the chicks. This process allows them to identify us as their parents and learn essential survival skills without human interaction. However, it can be challenging for new staff members to suppress their natural reactions, especially when a plane flies overhead or a child laughs at the sight.
To address this issue, we provide our staff with an immersive experience by hiding MP3 players under the costume and playing recordings of real adult cranes. This subtle cue helps them get into character and avoids reacting as humans. It's a delicate balance between authenticity and anonymity.
One of the most rewarding moments for me is when the chicks take flight. We coach them to mimic adults' "pre-flight" call, stretch out their wings, and prepare to leave the ground. Watching them soar through the sky is an exhilarating experience that makes me feel like a proud parent.
While our ultimate goal is to establish self-sustaining populations where cranes can thrive without costumes, I wouldn't miss my interaction with these incredible creatures for anything. For now, it's a small price to pay for the chance to contribute to their conservation and help safeguard their future.
In the end, working in costume may seem strange, but it's an integral part of our mission to protect these magnificent birds. As I put down my puppet head and wing, I'm reminded that our work is far from over – there are still 10 crane species threatened with extinction, and we're determined to make a difference.
Who knew dressing up as cranes could be so effective in helping these amazing birds thrive? I mean, using puppet heads and wing costumes is kinda genius - it's not just about the chicks, but also about the staff members who need to get into character. It's hilarious that they use MP3 players under the costume to play real crane sounds - talk about immersion! 
And can you imagine watching a chick take flight for the first time? That must be such an incredible feeling for everyone involved. I'm definitely rooting for these conservation efforts - 10 more years until all crane species are safe and sound 
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and i'm totally with you on not missing out on those magical moments when the chicks take flight 
its so heartwarming to see people dedicated to conservation efforts like this 
can you imagine having to wear a fancy costume as an adult just to teach kids about cranes? i mean, i get it its part of the conservation effort but come on 
. my reaction would be like "seriously?! who comes up with this stuff?" 
And OMG can you imagine seein a crane take flight? thats like the ultimate wildlife experience 
i mean, have you seen this? cranes in costumes? it's wild! as much as i love the idea of helping these majestic birds, it's also kinda sad that they need a disguise to blend in with human parents... like, can't we just let them be themselves? 
but at the same time, i guess it's better than nothing. i mean, if wearing a puppet head makes those chicks respond and learn essential skills, then i'm all for it! 
plus, who wouldn't want to see 10-foot-tall birds flapping their wings and flying overhead? 
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this costume thingy is wild lol , i mean who puts on a puppet head and pants like that just to feed chicks crickets ? 
