HUNTINGDON COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)— Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center recently welcomed its newest animal: Jane the crane.

Jane is a sandhill crane from Wisconsin. She was brought in to help diversify the lineup of animals at the center, while also raising awareness for her species and the struggles they face in Pennsylvania.

“We felt like she could really come here and connect with a lot of people, raise their awareness about her species, and raise the sort of the connection and the care about her species so that we can really help keep that momentum going for her population recovery in Pennsylvania,” Paige Sutherland, Director of Wildlife Programs, said.

Jane is a young crane, missing the red spot on her head that is common with her species. However, in the short time she has been at Shaver’s Creek, she has learned a lot.

“She’s definitely gained her grace throughout the different walks that we’ve taken her on. So it’s been really cute to see her sort of step into her stride, literally,” Sutherland said.

Speaking of walks, later this year, visitors will be able to go on ‘flock walks’ with Jane. This will involve Jane walking along a set path alongside the guests. Although there is not a definitive start date for the walks yet, the team hopes to have it in place by the end of March 2024.

“We’re hoping that we can connect our public with Jane’s flock walk so that they can learn about her as an individual and care about her species to be motivated for conservation action,” Sutherland said.

“I think Jane will connect to a variety of visitors, and I’m excited about that,” Doug Wentzel, program director at Shaver’s Creek, said.

Ultimately, the environmental center wants the community to connect with Jane.