WEST AFRICAN BLACK CROWNED CRANE Balearica pavonina pavonina Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Los Angeles California How the Crane Got Its Crown According to an African legend, a great chief became lost while hunting with his court in the heat of the summer. He quickly became weak from lack of water and food. He asked several passing animals, such as Zebra, Elephant, and Antelope, if they would help him find the oasis where his court was camping. All refused because he had hunted them. Finally, a flock of cranes flew by and agreed to help him. They brought the chief water and then led him to his court. As a reward, he had his goldsmith make each crane a gold crown. The next day, the cranes appeared without the crowns and explained to the chief that the other animals were jealous and had stolen and destroyed the crowns. The chief then called for his court magician, who touched each crane on the top of the head. From the place where the crane was touched grew its crown of gold feathers. The West African crowned crane is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss caused by farming, especially of the marshy areas they prefer for breeding, and capture for domestication. Crowned cranes primarily eat grass, seeds, and grain. They will also consume invertebrates and the roots of some plants. Because of their proximity to humans, they can become crop pests. #westafricanblackcrowndcrane #balearicapavonina #beautiful #omnivore #losangeleszooandbotanicalgardens #losangeleszoo #lazoo #lauraquick #bird #crane #croppest #vulnerable #pinkcheeks #goldcrest #danceforfemales https://www.instagram.com/p/B4I844LHLGa/?igshid=13v4qy4nn39on
