In last week's report, we talked about the two whooper eggs that the San Antonio Zoo sent us for the WCEP project. The egg pictured on the left was the first egg. However, the chick had difficulty hatching and had to have veterinary assistance. Sometimes, that can mean the chick has developmental problems. Once he was out of the egg, the chick seemed to have a malformed foot or leg, and might have also had scoliosis (curvature of the spine). It's hard to be certain about physical problems with a newly-hatched chick. They are small, and are still showing the effects of being folded in the egg. This chick was very weak after hatching. We monitored the chick while keeping him in an intensive care unit. Unfortunately, the chick continued to weaken and died 12 hours after hatching. 

The second San Antonio Zoo egg isn't due to hatch until May. We're all hoping that chick will be as healthy as the two we received last year.

While we were saddened to lose the first San Antonio chick, we do have 4 other healthy whooper chicks that we hope will be part of this year's WCEP flock. In the last report, we mentioned that it is not definite that chick #02 will remain with the WCEP program. There are no differences between male and female cranes, so we use DNA testing on egg shell membranes to tell them apart. If #02 is a female, then she'll remain at Patuxent as a breeder. Until the results come in, #02 will continue to be treated as a WCEP chick. 

The 4 chicks now range in age from the oldest, #01, will be 9 days old when this report is posted, to the youngest, #05, who will be only 5 days old. The older chicks are all eating on their own and growing fast. Good weather has allowed them to go outside for exercise and play. They have an adult whooping crane nearby for proper imprinting. They haven't been introduced to the trike yet, but they've heard a recording of the plane's sound every single day.

Jenn's chick, WCEP #03, has a burst of energy and runs around her, flapping his wings. 

Jenn has #03 follow her back inside and spends a few minutes reminding him where the food and water is. Very young chicks can become disoriented in what to them are large spaces. Once reminded of his familiar surroundings, the chick will have more confidence about venturing outside on his own.

An adult whooping crane imprinting model watches the costumed technicians and the chicks. The chicks are always in sight of the adult whooper as soon as they are introduced to the pen, and become very aware of her behavior, often imitating what she does. The adult whoopers seem fascinated by the chicks, often purring to them, or pecking at the Plexiglas when the chicks get close to it. Some adult whoopers have even tried to feed the chicks next door to them. 

The latest addition to the cohort, WCEP #05, when he was less than 12 hours old. His legs are still puffy from being in the egg.

Photos, Kathleen O'Malley, USGS

Follow the progress of our whooper chicks through our weekly webpage updates. Most of the focus will be on the progress of the WCEP chicks as they hatch and grow and start "ground school" here at Patuxent. It's the most exciting time of year for us, and we hope that by keeping our page current, you can share that excitement with us. 

Spring at Patuxent -- Not Just Colorful!

Patuxent is also home to a lot of native wildlife, both animal and plant. At this time of year, blooming trees and wildflowers decorate the surrounding woodlands and meadows. The variety can be simply breathtaking. And the scent of spring at Patuxent is everywhere you go.