WAZA Welcomes New Member - International Crane Foundation
Posted: 11 December 2025
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is pleased to welcome the International Crane Foundation (ICF) as a new Institution Member.
From its headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and field offices across Africa and Asia, the International Crane Foundation has been a leader in crane research and habitat conservation for more than 50 years. Its education and outreach programmes reach millions of people annually, fostering a culture of coexistence between people and cranes.
WAZA CEO Dr Martín Zordan said: “For decades, the International Crane Foundation has demonstrated how species conservation can drive meaningful habitat protection and community engagement. Their global leadership in safeguarding cranes brings valuable expertise to the WAZA community.”
The Foundation’s public Crane Discovery Center, located in Baraboo is the only place in the world where all fifteen species of cranes can be viewed. The centre also serves as a hub for research, conservation breeding, education, and public engagement. Through its field projects, the Foundation supports endangered species recovery, climate-resilient habitat management, and community-based conservation initiatives.
“Joining WAZA reflects our deep commitment to conservation and collaboration,” said Kevin Drees, Vice President of Headquarters Operations at the International Crane Foundation. “We share WAZA’s vision for a world where people and wildlife thrive together, and we look forward to contributing our expertise in crane conservation to this global community.”
The International Crane Foundation is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
More information about the International Crane Foundation may be found on their website.
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world.