Click Here for Hi Res

Click here for Microsoft Word version of this press release

In preparation for “The Crane Marsh,” one of two new animal exhibits set to open this summer at Oatland Island Education Center, the place better known as “Savannah’s Zoo” will welcome two sandhill cranes, Frasier (in photo) and Lilith, to their new home on Thursday, May 24, 2007.  The pair will be coming to Oatland Island from Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island.

Cranes are one of the tallest birds in North America.  Large populations of sandhill cranes spend the winter months in the Okefenokee Swamp area in Southeastern, GA which will make this pair feel right at home.  Chris Gentile, Oatland Island Education Center Director says it’s not uncommon for zoos and wildlife parks to move animals from one place to another.

“Zoos across North America cooperate with one another in breeding and conservation programs,” said Gentile.  “These programs help educate guests about the animal’s situation in the wild.  For example, without the involvement of zoos and wildlife centers, the sandhill crane’s North American cousin the whooping crane could have become extinct.  Zoos and wildlife parks, like Oatland Island, are very important to the survival of dwindling species.”

“This will give children attending Oatland Island Education Center’s Summer Camp as well as community members and visitors some additional attractions to observe at the center during the summer months,” Mr. Gentile adds.

The cranes will be on display in their new 0.5 acre habitat starting this weekend.  The center will be opening the other exhibit for American Alligators later in June.

The Oatland Island Education Center is open Monday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The center is located 5 miles east of Historic Downtown Savannah on President’s Street (Island’s Expressway).  The center is operated by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.

For more information on the animal exhibits, summer camps or admission, contact the center at 898-3980 or visit their website at http://www.oatlandisland.org/.