LAKE SAMMAMISH, Wash. — A juvenile East African crowned crane who escaped from the Cougar Mountain Zoo this week has returned home safely after an adventure around Lake Sammamish, which included befriending local birds and taking a stroll through residential areas.
The search for the crane began on May 21, when she flew outside the zoo perimeter around 2:30 p.m.
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The zoo immediately alerted the public and began requesting that anyone who sees the crane report her location so they can triangulate and try to catch her.
The crane was seen in various locations, including Peregrine Point Way and strolling down the road on SE 42nd Street in Issaquah/Sammamish. The crane was seen mingling with a group of great blue herons in the area, and a resident in the area even sent the zoo a picture of the crane peering in through her home’s windows.
On Saturday afternoon, Cougar Mountain Zoo announced the crane, named Alice, had been captured just before midnight on Friday.
Around 9 p.m., a resident on Lake Sammamish spotted her in their yard along the waterfront and quickly reached out. The zoo’s team was nearby, got eyes on her, and waited for additional staff and volunteers to assist.
At 11:57 PM, Alice was gently and safely retrieved without incident.
She is now back at the zoo, under the supervision of staff and a veterinarian, and will be closely monitored after her journey.
The zoo said Hatter, her crane boyfriend, is happy to have her back by his side.
Juvenile East African crowned cranes are mostly brown with a darker crown and neck, while adults are grey with a crown of golden feathers and a bright red throat pouch used for vocalization.
The cranes grow to be about three feet tall, but males may be larger. According to the Cougar Mountain Zoo website, the birds can live up to 20 years in the wild and 40 years in captivity.
