The Symbolism of Cranes
Things I learned from visiting the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin
“Our ability to perceive quality in nature begins, as in art, with the pretty. It expands through successive stages of the beautiful to values as yet uncaptured by language. The quality of crane lies, I think, in this higher gamut, as yet beyond the reach of words.” — Aldo Leopold
As my friend Dorrit and I walked around the beautifully kept grounds of the International Crane Foundation on a balmy September day this year, I felt at a loss for words upon seeing these elegant birds that balanced life so smoothly from one leg to another — a perfect stance and a suave reflection in the water.
With 15 species of cranes present at The International Crane Foundation, out of which 11 are endangered, I had so much to learn about these graceful birds and loved reading the signs to absorb as much information as possible.
One of the signs read:
“Cranes are revered in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. One story tells of Prince Siddhartha, who later became the Buddha, rescuing a wounded Sarus Crane and nursing the bird back to health.”
According to the website of The International Crane Foundation, “crane conservation remains a daunting…
