Northland College senior Mary Sellars interned at the International Crane Foundation (ICF) this past summer and is currently applying to veterinary schools as she finishes her biology degree.

As part of her internship, she assisted with everything from general husbandry for all fifteen species of cranes, to beak trims, Whooping Crane chick check-ups, medical procedures with the birds under anesthesia, and general hematology and fecal analysis.

The International Crane Foundation, located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, plays a leading role in the conservation of Whooping Cranes, from managed breeding and release programs to habitat protection, citizen education and engagement, and threat reduction along their flyways.

“My ultimate goal is to continue in zoological and wildlife medicine to address the complex issues facing animals globally as we near what many scientists have deemed ‘the sixth mass extinction,'” Sellars said. “If it weren’t for my amazing opportunities throughout my undergraduate career at Northland working in wildlife research and shadowing local veterinarians I would’ve never had this opportunity to intern with my dream job.”