Considering there are only 831 whooping cranes in the world, it’s not often people get to interact with the birds up close. That’s the rare and tangible experience Jessica Landers (DVMx’27), a second-year student at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM), had at the International Crane Foundation (ICF) during her summer externship.
“I assisted in [the whooping crane] procedure by administering fluids while the crane was under sedation,” Landers said. “And, while radiographs were performed, I had the opportunity to learn how to position cranes for different views as well as how to interpret results.”
The ICF is a not-for-profit working to save the world’s 15 species of cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend. Their headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin, is the only place in the world where all the different species of cranes can be seen. It’s also right here in Baraboo that ICF works to rear whooping cranes to be reintroduced into the wild to restore their extirpated population.
Landers has a variety of interests which include wildlife and conservation medicine. She said her experience at the ICF was a valuable learning opportunity, especially so early in her education.
“Working with the cranes helped prepare me for working with both other birds as well as wildlife in general,” she said. “Birds have many physiologic and anatomical differences compared to species we commonly focus on in school such as dogs, cats, horses, and cows, so gaining hands-on experience with them was very insightful.”
The experience extended outside of the exam room, as well, including opportunities to learn best practices in how to capture the birds for exam and correctly handle their uniquely shaped anatomy. In addition, Landers was able to observe and participate in other aspects of the ICF such as the daily husbandry of the cranes, crane fertility, managing the public exhibits, and all the other aspects of the organization’s work that support the ultimate goal of reintroduction.
“Cranes are different from other species I’ve worked with due to their territorial nature as well as their relatively large size compared to many of our companion animals,” Landers said, adding that she was also able to learn about how the staff manage this when they need to enter enclosures or restrain the cranes – always with the intention to reduce stress to the crane as much as possible.
While Landers’ experience demonstrates the value for a DVM student interested in wildlife or conservation medicine, the extern partnership is a great benefit for the ICF, as well, according to Dr. Diana Boon, director of conservation medicine. Externships provide an opportunity to expand the reach of those committed to conserving cranes.
“The ICF is a very unique institution that provides exposure to clinical avian medicine, reintroduction medicine for whooping crane chicks, and crane medicine through a well-established One Health practice,” Boon said. “In our work around the word, we approach crane conservation through the lens of One Health, where improvements in environmental, human, and animal health are all intertwined.”
The One Health strategy is an important aspect of the organization’s broader work. The ICF works in more than 50 countries and on all continents where cranes exist. They focus their efforts on uniting people behind the charisma of cranes to inspire international cooperation and meaningful impacts that help improve people’s livelihoods and protect millions of acres of wetlands and grasslands on the five continents where cranes live.
“Once people and students are invested in cranes, they have a closer connection to the species in their local communities as well as a stronger appreciation for conservation that can be applied to other species either in crane habitats or anywhere else,” Boon added. “This is an important lesson that veterinary students – especially those who are able to gain unique experiences like our externship program offers – can take with them as they graduate and move to different areas.”
The externship program with the SVM has been a long-standing partnership since the very early days of the ICF, according to Boon, who appreciates the collaborative relationship and how it fosters the best care possible for cranes through managing complicated cases together, sharing knowledge and best practices, and developing innovative approaches to care.
Boon said the best way to support their work in saving cranes is to become a member of the International Crane Foundation at www.savingcranes.org and to visit their Baraboo headquarters to view the cranes up close.
At the start of her second year of veterinary school this fall, Landers said she’s inspired to bring her experience with the cranes along throughout the remainder of her education.
“I really enjoyed working with the cranes,” Landers said of her time at the ICF. “Being able to work under many different veterinarians, being able to see up close and participate in the incredible work they do with the cranes, has given me a great foundation and source of motivation as I continue my veterinary medical education.”
Ryan Michalesko