A Beloved Crane and Her Keeper’s Endearing Tale
The world bids farewell to Walnut, a cherished white-naped crane, who passed away at the age of 42. Leaving behind eight offspring, Walnut was adored by the dedicated team at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, as well as by Chris Crowe, her human companion for almost two decades.
Chris Crowe fondly reminisces about Walnut, acknowledging her vibrant demeanor and the profound connection they shared. In his statement released by the National Zoo, he expressed gratitude for their special bond.
The heartwarming saga of Walnut and Chris began in 2004 when the bird first arrived at the institute’s Front Royal campus in Virginia. Raised by humans after her wild parents were rescued by the International Crane Foundation, Walnut formed a strong attachment to her caretakers. This affinity persisted at the institute, where Walnut displayed no interest in male companions and even repelled their advances.
Walnut’s disinterest in breeding was a concern due to the vulnerable status of white-naped cranes in the wild, with only a few thousand remaining in their native habitats across Asia. Recognizing the urgency, Chris Crowe took on the task of encouraging Walnut to breed by emulating the behavior of the male cranes during mating season.
Through careful observation and mimicry, Crowe managed to win Walnut’s trust. Videos capture heartwarming moments of Crowe providing food and nesting materials, which prompted joyful responses from Walnut. Eventually, Crowe successfully inseminated her, resulting in the birth of eight chicks.
Walnut’s unique breeding situation proved to be a resounding success, with her offspring now thriving at the institute. Apart from expanding the genetic diversity of white-naped cranes in U.S. zoos, Walnut’s longevity was exceptional, surpassing the typical lifespan of her species in captivity by a significant margin.
Walnut’s legacy began in Wisconsin in 1981, where she was born and named after a beloved local dessert. In her final days, her keepers noticed a decline in her health, prompting concerns despite their best efforts to entice her with her favorite treats.
The passing of Walnut marks the end of a remarkable bond between a crane and her devoted human companion, leaving behind a lasting legacy of love and conservation efforts.