BARABOO, Wis. (WFRV) - Officials with the International Crane Foundation, headquartered in Wisconsin, have confirmed the first death of an Endangered Whooping Crane due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu.

According to a release from the International Crane Foundation, an Endangered Whooping Crane, named "Ducky," died earlier this month, on September 18, due to bird flu, confirming the first death of a Whooping Crane to HPAI.

Officials say "Ducky" was part of the ICF's breeding and reintroduction program and was at the ICF's headquarters in Baraboo being costume-reared by the aviculture staff. "Ducky" was also expected to be released this fall into the wild with seven other Whooping Cranes at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge.

We are deeply saddened by

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