Humane Indiana Wildlife’s Sandhill Crane Goes to the Smithsonian National Zoo.

January 22, 2024 – Valparaiso, IN – Sandy, a sandhill crane treated at the Humane Indiana Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Valparaiso, IN, recently became a permanent resident of the Bird House exhibit at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C.

Amid freezing temperatures in mid-January, Humane Indiana Wildlife staff and supporters warmed up and cheered with a joyful, exciting and monumental farewell celebration for Sandy.

"This is an incredibly unforgettable moment," expressed Brian Fitzpatrick, CEO of Humane Indiana, as he welcomed guests. "We are grateful to be a part of Sandy's journey and to assist with placing her in an environment suitable for the distinct needs of a sandhill crane."

During the send-off celebration, guests enjoyed coffee, donuts, and views of Sandy in Humane Indiana’s flight training enclosure. Guests also signed a 'Bon Voyage' banner for Sandy, writing good luck and well wishes for the crane whose story touched the hearts of so many. Representatives from Chesterton Feed and Garden and the Porter County Community Foundation were also in attendance.

Sustaining an injury to her wing, Sandy had been in rehabilitation for five years at another wildlife center in Indiana. Sandhill cranes have extremely specific needs, a special diet and a yearning to be around other cranes. In captivity, they can live up to 50 years. Sandy was admitted to Humane Indiana in late 2023, and it was determined that the past injury had caused a 10% loss in wing length, making her unable to fly again. Despite this, Sandy was still active and in high spirits.

Since Sandy was unable to be released to nature, the optimal permanent home had to be found for her: the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. came to the rescue. AZA Zoos assisted Humane Indiana with finding accredited zoos throughout the country that housed other sandhill cranes. The Smithsonian showed interest in Sandy and reached out, as the zoo is home to two sandhill cranes.

"Due to her injury, Sandy had been in captivity for five years and was growing accustomed to being around people during this time. We knew a zoological setting would be the best fit for her, and I am overjoyed the Smithsonian could provide her with an appropriate home," remarked Harmon. “The Smithsonian gave her a new lease on life.”

Harmon, along with a few members of the Humane Indiana team, traveled ten hours across the country to personally escort Sandy to Washington D.C. A wildlife supporter built Sandy's travel crate to precise specifications, using blueprints provided by the International Crane Foundation. Sandy navigated the journey with ease, bellowing the occasional resounding honk that is the trademark call of sandhill cranes.

Upon arrival, Bird House Zookeeper at the Smithsonian, Jen Ferraro, met Harmon and Sandy at the Bird House temporary quarantine area. They weighed Sandy, gave her specially made food, and allowed her to explore her space. Sandy quickly adapted—immediately foraging, tossing, and playing with straws. She will share a home with two other sandhill cranes, among turkeys and geese, in an enclosure with a pond and a stream.

"Facilitating the improvement of a wildlife animal's circumstances is the ultimate reward. Partnering with an organization of the caliber and magnitude of the Smithsonian validates the hard work and dedication our team puts into each injured or orphaned animal, " expresses Fitzpatrick. "We are truly grateful to everyone who supported and donated to make Sandy’s positive outcome possible."

Sandy will always be in the hearts of wildlife lovers in Indiana, and she is now a national treasure, greeting visitors from around the world in the nation’s capital.

The Humane Indiana Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center admits nearly 3,000 birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians yearly. To contribute to the cost and care of wildlife species like Sandy, a sandhill crane, please consider donating at HumaneIndiana.org/wildlife-donate.

###  

About Humane Indiana 

The mission of Humane Indiana is protecting pets, preserving wildlife and supporting a nurturing connection between animals and people. Humane Indiana helps 25,000 injured, orphaned or homeless animals annually, not just through shelter and adoption, but also through the low-income veterinary clinic, pet food pantry, homelessness prevention, foster care and wildlife rehabilitation. Learn more at www.humaneindiana.org. Follow Humane Indiana on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook: Shelter, PAWS Resale, Wildlife.