Nature conservation: Crane center unexpectedly receives young birds Ida and Michel

Ida and Michel, two young cranes who cannot be released into the wild, have found a new home at the Nabu-Erlebniszentrum Kranichwelten in Günz, Germany. The center, described as Europe's largest crane center, is now responsible for the birds' lifelong care.

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The animals unfortunately cannot be released because they came into human hands so early. They became imprinted on humans and now only recognize people as their own species, not other cranes.

The cranes were found by walkers early in May and taken into human care. Günter Nowald, head of the center and managing director of the Society for Crane Protection Germany, recalled receiving a video of one of the young cranes walking around a kitchen. "The animals unfortunately cannot be released because they came into human hands so early," Nowald explained. "They became imprinted on humans and now only recognize people as their own species, not other cranes." Releasing them would be dangerous as they would seek human contact.

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It's a new challenge that has now come our way, which we also have to manage with our personnel.

Ida and Michel are now exploring their fenced outdoor enclosure at the center, enjoying sprinklers and foraging for food. Nowald noted a strong bond between the two, despite their distinct personalities. "Ida is a bit picky; she doesn't eat everything, while Michel seems to be always hungry," he said. Michel is also easier to manage, whereas Ida requires more persuasion, sometimes even forceful, showing a more independent spirit.

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Ida is a bit picky; she doesn't eat everything, while Michel seems to be always hungry. Michel is also easier to manage, whereas Ida requires more persuasion, sometimes even forceful.

The cranes' arrival was unplanned, presenting a new challenge for the center's staff. "It's a new challenge that has now come our way, which we also have to manage with our personnel," Nowald stated, emphasizing the need for seven-day-a-week care. Currently housed in a temporary enclosure, a dedicated aviary is planned for Ida and Michel. To prevent them from flying away, their flight feathers have been trimmed with veterinary approval, a procedure Nowald likened to cutting human hair as it involves dead material.

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