Fun Fact
They dance for fun – and for the young to develop physical and social skills!
Diet & Habitat
They are omnivores and, due to their short beaks, their diet consists of seeds and insects. Found in Western Africa, Senegal, Gambia and Ethiopia. They inhabit marshlands, grasslands and swamps.
Eggs
The female will lay 2–4 eggs in nests of vegetation located on the ground or in shallow waters. The eggs are incubated for between 29–31 days. Shortly after hatching, the chicks will forage with the parents.
Lifespan
They have an average lifespan of 30 years in captivity. In the wild it would be slightly less.
The Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina) is one of the smallest cranes out of the 15 species, and is the only crane species known to roost up in trees.
Behaviour: The Black Crowned Crane’s breeding display involves dancing, bowing and jumping. They use vocal calls for breeding that are usually loud bugle-like calls. These cranes do not pair for life, but they will both raise the young together.
More of our animals you may like to meet
Park News
Treat Tuesday
Announcing Treat Tuesday! Every Tuesday in August, you can enter the park half price after 3.30pm. That gives you 2.5 hours before we close to see our animals and enjoy the play areas and jumping...
Safari Splash
Safari Splash (14-15 Aug) is an event that celebrates our beautiful Thameside setting. A standard entry ticket allows you access to our usual attractions and the splash pool, which will be sporting...
We’re in the finals
We're through to the FINALS! A huge thank you for all the nominations in the Muddy Stilettos Berkshire awards - we're over the moon! If you think we're one of the best local family attractions,...
