Walnut — a crane at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Institute for Conservation Biology who chose one of the facility’s workers as her mate — has died. She was 42 years old.
The Washington, DC-based attraction announced Walnut’s death via a press release earlier this week.
“The staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) campus in Front Royal, Virginia, mourns the loss of Walnut, a white crane who became an Internet sensation for choosing one of his keepers as his mate,” the zoo wrote.
According to the National Zoo, Walnut was considered “geriatric” for her species because she lived far beyond the normal life expectancy of whooping cranes kept in human care. (The organization said the average lifespan is 15 years.)
Walnut died in early January after zookeepers noticed she wasn’t eating or drinking. Despite attempts to help her, Walnut died of natural causes at the animal hospital while surrounded by the animal care team. An autopsy revealed kidney failure as the cause of death, according to the zoo.
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Walnut and Chris Crowe.
Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
‘Girlfriend’ bird: Meet the rare female crane who chose a man named Crowe as her life partner
Walnut was born in 1981 and was named after a popular walnut pie at a local restaurant, according to the National Zoo.
In 2004, when she was brought to NZCBI’s Virginia campus, Walnut formed a bond with keeper Chris Crowe, who artificially inseminated her after imitating how the organization’s male white cranes interact in the middle of their mating season.
In the years that followed, Walnut gave birth to eight offspring, many of which “reached adulthood,” according to the zoo.
“Walnut was a unique individual with a vibrant personality,” Crowe said in a statement. “She was always confident in her expression, an eager and excellent dancer, and stoically faced with life’s challenges. I will always be grateful for her association with me.”
He added: “Walnut’s remarkable story has helped draw attention to the plight of her vulnerable species. I hope that everyone touched by her story understands that the survival of her species depends on our ability and desire to protect wetlands.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education