Q: We have a pair of sandhill cranes that live in our subdivision. They had chicks quite late in the season. One of this year's chicks never left its parents. (The other did at the appropriate time.) Observing junior frequently with his parents like we did, we came to the conclusion that he seemed a little simple minded, e.g., while the parents do a short dance when they find food on land, he flaps his wings all about until one of his parents walks toward him. Even though he was physically as big as his parents, his cry remained a very high trill and it appeared that the parents continued to treat him like they did as small chick. After being with his parents about 8 months, they have either given him the boot or he has somehow become separated from them. Both parents have been observed together, safe and happy, while Gump (named for "Forrest Gump") wanders around alone seeming lost and forlorn, not knowing where to go or what to do. We know we're not supposed to feed him. Gump frequently comes around looking like he needs help finding food and wants company. He tried to follow us into the car the other day. We always talk to him. Is there a sanctuary for a "bird brained" sandhill crane? -- Bryce

A: We liked reading your story and are glad to hear that you are looking out for Florida's wildlife, Bryce.

We aren't aware of a place where "mentally challenged" wildlife can go, but you may consider calling a local wildlife rehabilitator to check out the bird.

However, consider that there might be nothing wrong with "Gump" and that the bird is just a late bloomer.

Most wildlife biologists would probably recommend leaving the crane on its own, especially because it seems fine physically. While this might seem cruel, it is actually promoting the survival of the fittest. For example, if the bird has a genetic problem, it's best for his kind if that problem isn't passed down to future generations. Also consider that if something were seriously wrong with Gump, it's possible his parents would have let him die (instead of doting on him, as you explained), as many wildlife species are apt to do when they can sense that young won't survive on their own.

If the bird seems to want company, it's probably that it is curious about the world around him, as many young are, and that it hasn't settled down with a mate yet, which may not be for a few years. For example, young Florida black bear males find themselves getting into trouble as they look for their own territory in people's backyards.

We don't want the crane to starve to death or to be in other physical pain, so if it appears to be extremely thin or ratty looking -- and remember that cranes are naturally thin -- then calling a rehabber would be best. Otherwise, we would recommend letting the bird learn to survive on its own, as the parents did.

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