1. Internet celebrity crane death
2. Celebrity crane passing.
The End of a Great Love Story: Walnut the White-Naped Crane Passes Away at Age 42
Washington, D.C. – The world mourns the loss of Walnut, a beloved white-naped crane who captivated the hearts of many as an internet sensation. Walnut, who passed away at the age of 42, is survived by her eight chicks, the dedicated staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and her devoted human companion, Chris Crowe, who had been her mate for nearly two decades.
In a statement released by the National Zoo, Crowe expressed his gratitude for the bond he shared with Walnut, describing her as a unique individual with a vibrant personality. The story of Walnut and Chris has not only inspired internet fame but has also led to the creation of love songs dedicated to their extraordinary relationship. Their journey began in 2004 when Walnut arrived at the institute’s campus in Front Royal, Va.
Walnut, the offspring of two wild cranes who were brought to the U.S. illegally but later rescued by the International Crane Foundation, was raised by humans and formed a deep connection with her caretakers. This bond continued when she came to the institute, as she showed no interest in breeding and even exhibited aggressive behavior towards male crane suitors.
A Symbol of Vulnerability: The Plight of White-Naped Cranes
White-naped cranes, like Walnut, are considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. With less than 5,300 remaining in their native habitats in Mongolia, Siberia, Korea, Japan, and China, these majestic birds face numerous threats including habitat loss, pollution, nest predation, and poaching. As the offspring of wild-caught cranes, Walnut’s genes were not represented in U.S. zoos, making her breeding a priority.
Chris Crowe stepped in to help, winning Walnut over by carefully observing and mimicking the behavior of the institute’s male white-naped cranes during breeding season. Videos of their interactions show Crowe offering Walnut food and materials for nest-building, with the tall bird responding excitedly by flapping her wings and engaging in a captivating dance. Once Crowe gained her trust, he successfully used artificial insemination to impregnate Walnut with sperm from a male crane.
This unique arrangement proved to be highly successful, as Walnut went on to give birth to eight chicks. The fertilized eggs were then placed with other white-naped crane pairs who cared for them as their own. Currently, there are eight white-naped cranes residing at the institute, including one of Walnut’s offspring and one of her grandchicks.
Furthermore, this extraordinary relationship had a positive impact on Walnut’s health, as she nearly tripled the median life expectancy of 15 years for white-naped cranes in human care.
A Life Well-Lived: Walnut’s Journey
Walnut was born in Wisconsin during the summer of 1981. On January 2nd, keepers noticed that Walnut was not eating or drinking. Despite their efforts to entice her with her favorite treats, such as frozen-thawed mice, peanuts, and mealworms, her appetite remained absent. Veterinarians administered fluids, antibiotics, and conducted blood tests, but her health continued to deteriorate. Walnut was eventually hospitalized and passed away peacefully.
The cause of Walnut’s decline remains unknown, leaving her admirers with a sense of loss and sadness. Her legacy, however, lives on through her offspring and the remarkable story of her bond with Chris Crowe. Walnut’s unique journey serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect vulnerable species like the white-naped crane.
.
– Internet celebrity crane
– Celebrity crane dies.
