Protecting One of America’s Rarest Cranes
The endangered Mississippi sandhill crane is found only in a small, non-migratory population in coastal Mississippi. These cranes depend on longleaf pine savannas—an ecosystem that has nearly disappeared.
Audubon Nature Institute’s Species Survival Center plays a critical role in recovering this species by breeding and releasing cranes into restored habitat. Our work helps ensure the survival of this rare bird for generations to come.
Mississippi Sandhill Crane Conservation Quick Facts
Habitat
Coastal pine savannas of Mississippi, USA.
Conservation Status
Critically endangered – fewer than 150 individuals remain in the wild.
Conservation Partners
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge.
Program Type
AZA SAFE Species & Species Survival Plan (SSP®).
What We Do
At Audubon Nature Institute’s Species Survival Center, we care for a breeding population of Mississippi Sandhill Cranes, nurturing chicks in a secure environment. Our team raises and prepares them for release into protected habitats in neighboring Mississippi, helping strengthen the wild population and support long-term recovery efforts.
How to Help
You can help protect one of America’s rarest birds. Every visit, donation, Membership, or volunteer hour supports Audubon’s work raising and releasing Mississippi Sandhill Cranes into protected habitats. Click below to see how you can help.
🌿 Visit — Your visit directly supports wildlife and habitat conservation.
🌿 Donate — Fund programs that help raise and release cranes into the wild.
🌿 Membership — Enjoy a year of visits while contributing to crane conservation.
🌿 Volunteer — Lend your time and skills to hands-on conservation projects.
🌿 Education — Inspire the next generation of conservationists through Audubon programs.
Join the Conservation Effort
Every visit, Membership, or donation supports Audubon’s work to restore native habitats and reintroduce endangered wildlife like the Mississippi sandhill crane.
