Rare crowned crane escapes Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah, WA

The Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah, WA, is actively searching for a young East African crowned crane that escaped on Wednesday and was last seen near Peregrine Point, just north of Lake Sammamish State Park. The zoo confirmed they are still searching for the bird, which was last spotted flying towards the boat launch area. A photo of the crane was captured from a nearby property, aiding in the search efforts. The public is urged not to approach the crane but to contact the zoo at 206-641-1554 if they see it. The zoo highlighted that the crane is frequently mistaken for other local bird species, complicating identification and recovery.

This incident underscores the challenges wildlife face in urban environments and the importance of community involvement in animal recovery efforts. The Cougar Mountain Zoo is committed to ensuring the crane's safe return. Such events emphasize the need for public awareness about local wildlife species and their conservation.