Sandhill Cranes Get Help From Wildlife Loving Family
The Goodrich family, who live in the Westchase-area, are strong supporters of animal welfare and wildlife causes.
In the midst of rush-hour traffic, the Goodrich family stopped traffic earlier this week on Forest Lakes Road in Oldsmar to herd a family of sandhill cranes, including two newborn chicks, across the road to safety.
The cranes had made it to the median at some point in the day to enjoy the shade of large trees. Once the traffic began to flow heavily, they could not make it back to safety as the chicks could not fly and the adults would not leave them. Cars were not slowing down for them - despite being a treasured and endangered species and the male adult bird was becoming agitated.
The Goodrich family, seeing their plight, made a U-turn in their car and acted quickly. Caroline Goodrich risked the ire of angry honking drivers and speeding trucks, and halted two lanes of traffic while Caroline's husband, Jerry, shepherded the Crane family across the road and to the safety of their nesting grounds alongside a pond. Their animal-loving son, Tristan, shouted encouragement from the car to his parents and the cranes.
Sherri Lonon
2:29 pm on Friday, May 4, 2012
Would you do this to save an animal?
JJ
9:21 am on Wednesday, May 30, 2012
I have seen those same sandhill cranes daily along Forest Lakes... although i have only seen one chick. This morning was the first time i saw both adult cranes without any chicks. I hope the little guys are safe. Does anyone know?
Nicole Hutcheson
12:15 pm on Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Hi JJ, thanks for the update. We're not sure, but will do a drive by today to investigate.