The International Crane Foundation works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend. We provide knowledge, leadership, and inspiration to engage people in resolving threats to cranes and their diverse landscapes.
Our Reach
From our nearly 300-acre headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA our reach extends across the globe. We maintain a regional base in China and share program offices with partner organizations in Cambodia, India, South Africa, Texas, Vietnam, and Zambia. Our approximately 80 staff work with a network of hundreds of specialists in over 50 countries on five continents.
Our Vision
The International Crane Foundation is committed to a future where all 15 of the world’s crane species are secure. Through the charisma of cranes, we envision a future where people work together to protect and restore wild crane populations and the landscapes they depend on – and by doing so, find new pathways to sustain our water, land, and livelihoods.
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International Crane Foundation
The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is a non-profit conservation organization that works to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend. Founded in 1973, the International Crane Foundation is headquartered in Baraboo, Wisconsin on a 250-acre property that includes live crane exhibits with 15 crane species, a visitor center, breeding facilities, a research library and nature trails. The foundation works worldwide and in the US with local partners to raise and conserve cranes.[1][2][3] The Foundation maintains a regional base in China and shares program offices with partner organizations in Cambodia, India, South Africa, Texas, Vietnam, and Zambia.[4] The International Crane Foundation's approximately 80 staff work with a network of hundreds of specialists in over 50 countries on five continents.[5]
The International Crane Foundation was founded in 1973 by two ornithology students at Cornell University, Ron Sauey and George W. Archibald, who envisioned an organization that would combine research, captive breeding and reintroduction, landscape restoration, and education to safeguard the world's 15 crane species.[6][7] In 1973, the Sauey family rented their horse farm to Ron and George for $1 a year to found the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin.[8] The organization moved to its current location in 1983.[9][10]
Archibald was the organization's director from 1973 to 2000. He pioneered several techniques there to rear cranes in captivity, including the use of crane costumes by human handlers. Archibald spent three years with a highly endangered whooping crane named Tex, acting as a male crane – walking, calling, dancing – to shift her into reproductive condition. Through his dedication and the use of artificial insemination, Tex eventually laid a fertile egg which hatched a chick named Gee Whiz.[11][12]
The International Crane Foundation's office in Rockport, Texas was demolished in 2017 by Hurricane Harvey, but will be rebuilt.[13] The office was located near the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, an area that sustains the last naturally occurring flock of whooping cranes.
^"One Helps One Program Annual Report". International Crane Foundation China Program. February 26, 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2017. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
^"Projects". Wetland University Network. Retrieved 3 October 2017. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP), a survey of 531 wetlands in the whole Mekong Basin, involved scientists of US Geological Survey (USGS), International Crane Foundation (ICF), examined a landscape never before studied in the region.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
^"Cranes and Wetlands". Nature Conservation Foundation. Retrieved 3 October 2017. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
^"About". International Crane Foundation. Retrieved 31 October 2017. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
^"About". International Crane Foundation. Retrieved 31 October 2017. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
^"History". International Crane Foundation. Retrieved 1 October 2017. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
Nonprofit Tax Code Designation: 501(c)(3) Defined as: Organizations for any of the following purposes: religious, educational, charitable, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition (as long as it doesn’t provide athletic facilities or equipment), or the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.
Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
IRF has operated rhino conservation programs that aim to support the well-being of rhinos worldwide for over 25 years. Their major operations are in Africa and Asia.
