White-Naped Crane

Basic Information:

Scientific Name: Grus vipio

Habitat: White-naped cranes are found in grassy marshes, wet sedge meadows and reedbeds of northern Mongolia, southern Siberia, Korea, Japan and central China.

Diet: White-naped cranes eat insects, seeds, roots, plants, and small mammals. 

Size: 3.6 to 4.1 feet tall / 6.5 to 6.8 foot wingspan

Weight: About 12 pounds

Lifespan: 15.1 years according to AZA Species Survival Statistics

Distribution Map:

I.U.C.N. Conservation Status:

What does this mean?

Vulnerable – a species determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to possess a high risk of extinction as a result of rapid population declines of 30 to more than 50 percent over the previous 10 years (or three generations), a current population size of fewer than 1,000 individuals, or other factors.

Our White-Naped Cranes:

Creampuff (“Creamy”) (Male) – Born May 23, 1981 
*Creamy is one of the oldest cranes in human care*

Peaches (Female) – Born June 2, 2012

About White-Naped Cranes:

White-naped cranes are native to northern Mongolia, southern Siberia, Korea, Japan, and central China. They are distinguishable from other cranes because they are the only species with pinkish legs and a dark gray and white striped neck (hence their name).

Did You Know?!

  • White-naped cranes have a special dance! Mated pairs of cranes engage in unison calling, which is a complex and extended series of coordinated calls. The birds stand in a specific posture, usually with their heads thrown back and breaks skyward, during the display.
  • In Korea, white-naped cranes are a popular New Year’s symbol. They are also featured widely throughout Korean art and folklore. 
  • White-naped cranes are capable of flying at speeds between 25 and 35 miles per hour. 

The Utica Zoo is closed for Thanksgiving (11/23)! Happy Thanksgiving from all of our staff and animals!

The Zoo will re-open on 11/24 at 10 am.