Juvenile Male Sandhill Crane

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Contact Erin Lemley
Phone: 608-838-0413 ext 212
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Country: United States

Species: Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)

Is rehabilitation complete?: yes

This animal has potential as a : static display animal

This animal is: wild reared

Age: Juvenile

Reason for entering rehabilitation.:

This juvenile male Sandhill Crane was admitted to DCHS's Wildlife Center in Madison, Wisconsin in January 2026 with a chronic, malunion fracture of the left major and minor metacarpals. He was found laying down on the side of the road. The fracture was already calloused on admission, though it remains fibrous despite splinting. The left wing does have a minor turnout but does not droop, and based on radiographs has lost about 3 cm of length compared to the other side. The fracture does not affect the carpal joint and the bird has good range of motion in that wing. He was thin on admission but has been gaining weight well. The crane has been DNA sexed male and received a negative HPAI test on admission.

Days in care: 49

Issues developed while undergoing rehabilitation.:

The crane lacerated their toe on something in the caging (we were unable to determine what, as nothing appeared sharp) and needed a partial amputation of the right D4. The amputation site has healed well. He has a small carpal lesion from being caught up that also is healing well and is not worsening.

Body condition score (5 point scale as defined on https://nagonline.net/3877/body-condition-scoring/): 2.5

Can the animal express species-typical behaviors (e.g. eat appropriate whole foods, climb, perch, groom, dig, fly, swim, ambulate normally for species)?:

The crane is unable to fly but should not be hindered from performing any other species-specific behaviors.

Can the animal be handled without negative welfare affects?: yes

This is how the animal currently reacts when a frequent caregiver nears it (e.g. does it modify behavior, show signs of fear, agonism, habituation):

The crane is sometimes vocal when caregivers enter, but simply moves away and is easy to work around even in a small (10ft x 10 ft) space. He does not thrash or beat against then walls, even after being handled (which he does not enjoy). He is curious about objects and will peck at them while people are still present.

This is how the animal currently reacts when a stranger nears it (e.g. does it modify behavior, show signs of fear, agonism, habituation):

Unknown.

This animal is currently house : alone

Will the animal need continuous medical care (e.g. medication)?: no

Physical health welfare assessment: good life

Mental/emotional health welfare assessment: life worth living

More Information

Dane County Humane Society's Wildlife Center in Madison, Wisconsin, is looking to place a juvenile male Sandhill Crane into a static display situation. The crane is wild and parent reared and is suspected to have been unable to migrate with his family due to fractures of his major and minor metacarpals, which were healed but in an inappropriate position on admission. He was also thin and was likely not finding enough food in the Wisconsin winter.

The crane does well with people working in his space, and is curious about objects and enjoys inspecting them.

We are happy to discuss his full medical record and temperament with interested facilities to find the best fit for him.

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