Beloved White-Naped Crane Walnut Passes Away at 42

The crane's unique bond with her zookeeper and contributions to species conservation leave a lasting legacy.

Walnut, a beloved white-naped crane at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, has passed away at age 42, leaving behind a legacy of interspecies connection.
She was known for her unique bond with zookeeper Chris Crowe, who she regarded as her mate for nearly two decades, a relationship that captivated the internet.
Walnut's successful breeding, facilitated by Crowe's innovative methods, contributed to the conservation of her vulnerable species, producing eight chicks.
Her story highlighted the plight of white-naped cranes, which are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and poaching, with less than 5,300 remaining in the wild.
Walnut's extraordinary life, marked by her confidence, expressiveness, and the impact she had on conservation efforts, is celebrated by the zoo and her many admirers.