11 A close companionship has formed at the Detroit Zoo between two sandhill cranes named Two-Toe and Macky. After being found in the wild with severe beak injuries and in poor health, both male cranes were rescued and provided sanctuary at the Zoo. Under the expert treatment and care of the veterinary and animal care teams, the cranes gradually regained their health and have re-learned how to eat and hunt for food with their permanently injured beaks. However, sandhill cranes also need socialization to experience a high level of well-being. For Two-Toe, whose 2021 arrival at the Zoo preceded Macky’s rescue, companionship did not happen immediately, and other rescued sandhill cranes did not get along with Two-Toe right away. When Macky arrived in 2022 and became healthy, the animal care staff began introducing him to Two-Toe in hopes that the cranes would hit it off. Thankfully, that is exactly what happened. The two soon began spending all their time together – walking around their grassy habitat, probing the dirt and sand for insects with their beaks, mirroring each other’s calls and even sleeping in the same space. These companions can be seen in the Zoo’s west pampas habitat. Although Macky and Two-Toe have experienced their share of hardship, they have found a new home – and a new friendship – thanks to the Detroit Zoological Society’s dedication to animal rescue and care. We are grateful to the donors who help provide for the daily needs of rescued animals at the Zoo and the more than 2,000 animals in residence there. Your thoughtful contribution of any size will help ensure their continued well-being. To make a gift, please visit detroitzoo.org/support/give/ or contact Andrea Richards at (248) 336-5729. BY TONY ZICK, GRANTS COORDINATOR RESCUED SANDHILL CRANES FIND COMPANIONSHIP AT THE DETROIT ZOO
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