Rescue of Wild Red-Crowned Cranes at Kushiro Zoo (Hokkaido, Japan)

Abstract

Kushiro Zoo, Hokkaido, Japan, operates a rescue program for the wild red-crowned cranes (Grus iaponensis) that inhabit Hokkaido. Wounded cranes are treated at the zoo; however, because of limited cage space and manpower at the zoo, two injured cranes can be accepted at one time. Officers from the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) capture injured cranes in the field. However, because of the limited facilities at the zoo, if at all possible, cranes are treated and monitored in the field. If judged necessary by MOE officers, the cranes are taken to the Kushiro Shitsugen Wildlife Center. After treatment and full recovery, cranes are leg banded and released. Cranes that have become too familiar with humans by artificial brooding or have not recovered the ability to fly, are kept in captivity for breeding, with planned release of their chicks into the wild. Cranes with artificial legs are kept alone in indoor cages and throughout their life. Cranes that cannot stand and are paralyzed on lower side are force fed or cared for in hammocks. Kushiro Zoo has many cages for cranes, but the increasing number of injured cranes unsuited for the breeding program, has created many problems. With the increase in population, expansion of habitat, and change in lifestyle, it is likely that the number of rescued cranes will increase. Therefore, major reform of the rescue program is urgently required.