East African crowned crane

Balearica regulorum gibbericeps

East African crowned crane standing in sunshine Image: Rhiordan Langan-Fortune 2023

Status

NE DD LC NT VU EN CR EW EX

For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org

We currently have a pair of East African crowned cranes here at the zoo, Eleanor and Edward. 

Population

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Decreasing

Diet

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Omnivore

Habitat

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Grasslands

Fact file

  • East African crowned cranes stand at over a metre tall, with males generally being larger than females

  • Unlike other species of cranes, crowned cranes will usually roost in trees

  • They can flock in large numbers, from 30 to 150 cranes at a time

East African crowned crane standing in the sunshine Image: Rhiordan Langan-Fortune 2023

How we're helping

Like all the animals in our care Eleanor and Edward are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health, to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.

Find out more about RZSS conservation