Grieving ‘Bishop’

We’re saddened to share that earlier this month, we said goodbye to ‘Bishop’, our 9.5-year-old East African crowned crane.

Bishop had been receiving treatment for several months for a suspected fungal mass in his right lung. Despite supportive care from our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team, his condition declined quickly and he passed away.

A necropsy confirmed a large mass in his right lung, along with significant changes to his liver, kidneys, and heart. Further pathological testing is still underway.

Bishop hatched here at the zoo in 2016 and grew up on the African Savannah. With a median life expectancy of about 13 years for grey crowned cranes, he lived a life surrounded by dedicated care and was a beloved member of the African Savannah family.

He will be deeply missed by the team who cared for him and by the many guests who enjoyed seeing him on the Savannah Plains. Please keep his dedicated care team in your thoughts.