CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
502-238-5331 (Media Cell 502-744-5639)
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

The Louisville Zoo celebrates the first East African crowned crane to hatch in the Zoo’s 52-year history.

The female chick was hatched on October 12, 2021 to the crane pair that live in the bongo habitat: Freddy (19 years-old) and Barbara (4-years-old). These cranes are also known as gray crowned cranes.

“We’ve featured this wonderful species since the Zoo opened in 1969, and we are thrilled to be able to celebrate this little chick,” said Louisville Zoo executive director Dan Maloney.  “Our aviculturists have done an incredible job with the hatchling and her parents, and we look forward to watching the pair raise her.”

The first-time parents are doing well. They will continue to raise the chick off exhibit in a quiet private area before returning to exhibit with the bongos.

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Fall/winter hours continue through March 20, 2022, 10 a.m. ─ 4 p.m. (stay until 5 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

***

The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state Zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

# # #