Como Zoo is celebrating a historic first with the successful hatching of two grey crowned crane chicks.

The chicks have been named Amani (pronounced ah-MAH-nee), meaning “peace,” and Baraka (pronounced bah-RAH-kah), meaning “blessing.” Supporters of Como Friends had the honor of selecting the Swahili names, which reflect the beauty of these remarkable birds and carry a hopeful message for their future.

Como’s First Successful Crowned Crane Chicks

Amani and Baraka hatched in a behind-the-scenes holding area in the giraffe building, where their parents selected the nest site.

Their father, Houdini, arrived at Como in April 2023. Their mother, Mutambi, followed in June 2023. The pair was matched through a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

Although Houdini and Mutambi produced eggs during the previous two years, Amani and Baraka are the first grey crowned crane chicks to be successfully raised at Como Zoo.

With their arrival, four grey crowned cranes now live at Como.

Long Legs, Long Necks and Growing Fast

Senior Zookeeper Jill Erzar reports that both chicks are doing great and changing quickly.

Newly hatched grey crowned cranes are tan and brown, with long legs, very long necks and a slightly awkward appearance. Over time, Amani and Baraka will begin to look more like their elegant parents, developing grey bodies, colorful wings and the distinctive golden crown that gives the species its name.

The chicks’ sexes are not yet known.

Already Chasing Their Own Meals

Amani and Baraka are offered a crumbled diet and insects. Houdini and Mutambi show the chicks where to find food and will feed insects directly to them.

The chicks are also beginning to demonstrate their own hunting skills. Animal care staff have already watched them chasing down mealworms and crickets.

For growing crane chicks, every insect is an opportunity to practice.

A Protective Father with a Gentle Side

Houdini is known by his animal care team for being territorial and protective. Around his chicks, however, staff have seen a much softer side.

“For me, the cutest thing has been seeing what a good dad Houdini is,” said Senior Zookeeper Jill Erzar. “With us, he is very territorial and protective, but with the chicks, he will snuggle into the nest with them and take the time to feed them worms.”

Both parents continue to care for the chicks as they grow, explore and become more independent.

When Can Visitors See Them?

For now, Amani and Baraka need to remain safely indoors until they are large enough to be protected from hawks and other potential predators.

Lucky visitors may occasionally catch a glimpse of the family through the mesh door of their holding area in the giraffe building. Their wellbeing and the comfort of the parents will determine when the chicks are ready to spend time outdoors and make a more visible public debut.

Helping Save an Endangered Species

Native to eastern and southern Africa, grey crowned cranes are especially abundant in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. They are known for their golden crowns, grey bodies, white-and-gold wings and bright red throat pouches.

Grey crowned cranes are endangered, with an estimated wild population of only 29,500 to 36,000 birds. Their population continues to decline because of wetland loss, habitat degradation, illegal capture, egg collection, poisoning, power line collisions and land development.

Como Zoo recently became a sponsor of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Crowned Crane SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program. Como partnered with the International Crane Foundation and a small group of other zoos to help lead the creation of this collaborative conservation program.

SAFE programs bring together the expertise and resources of accredited zoos, aquariums and conservation organizations to protect threatened species and their habitats.

Learn more about grey crowned cranes and the efforts underway to protect them through the International Crane Foundation.

A Hopeful New Beginning

The arrival of Amani and Baraka is an important milestone for Como Zoo and for the conservation story their species represents.

For now, these two youngsters are busy doing what growing crane chicks do best: eating, exploring, chasing insects and keeping their devoted parents close by.

Peace and blessing have arrived at Como Zoo, and they are growing fast.