Whooping cranes were almost extinct — until Canadian ornithologist George Archibald learned to dance with them

In 1954, a young George Archibald was captivated by a radio program about whooping cranes in Northern Canada while sitting in a one-room school in Nova Scotia. The dramatization of two cranes discussing their protected nesting grounds sparked a passion for conservation in Archibald that would shape the future of these magnificent birds. As an adult, he co-founded the International Crane Foundation (ICF) and dedicated over five decades to ensuring the survival of the whooping crane population.

Back in the 1940s, there were fewer than 20 whooping cranes left in the world. Thanks to the relentless efforts of conservationists like Archibald, there are now over 800 of these endangered birds thriving in the wild. The incredible journey of the whooping cranes and their dedicated saviors is the subject of “Dances With Cranes,” an episode of the acclaimed documentary series “The Nature of Things.”

One of the most remarkable stories featured in the documentary is that of Tex, a whooping crane raised in a zoo who became imprinted on humans. Despite numerous attempts to pair her with a male crane, Tex showed no interest in her own kind but would dance enthusiastically whenever male zookeepers were around. Archibald took on the challenge of working with Tex, using his knowledge of crane behavior to trigger her reproductive cycle through a unique form of courtship dance.

After years of patient effort, Tex finally laid a viable egg, giving birth to a whooping crane named Gee Whiz. This groundbreaking success led to the birth of 26 more offspring from Gee Whiz, ultimately contributing to the birth of approximately 130 new chicks. Through his unconventional methods and unwavering dedication, Archibald played a pivotal role in ensuring the continuation of the whooping crane population for future generations.

The International Crane Foundation continues to work tirelessly to protect not only whooping cranes but also the other 14 crane species found around the world. Their mission is to preserve these iconic birds and their habitats, ensuring that they can continue to grace the skies for years to come. The legacy of George Archibald and his pioneering work in crane conservation serves as an inspiration to all who strive to protect and preserve our planet’s diverse wildlife.