At 42 years old, Walnut was considered geriatric for her species. She far surpassed the median life expectancy for white-naped cranes in human care, which is 15 years.
I found this particularly funny. It wasn’t like a funny accidental thing. Dude was trying to mate with the bird.
In September 2004, Walnut arrived at NZCBI’s Virginia campus, where scientists regularly breed cranes that have behavioral or physical limitations by using assisted reproduction techniques, including artificial insemination. By observing and mimicking how NZCBI’s male white-naped cranes interacted with their mates during breeding season, bird keeper Chris Crowe gained Walnut’s elusive trust. He pair-bonded with her by flapping his arms in a manner similar to the species’ unison dance, offered her nesting materials and brought her food. Once she was receptive to breeding, Crowe was able to use sperm collected from a male crane to artificially inseminate Walnut without the need for physical restraint
I have some sad news.
She lived almost 3 times the average life expectancy for her species!?! That’s genuinely insane! Imagine a human living to 180 years old!
This happens quite often with animals in captivity. Nature is dangerous (and health care is important!)
I found this particularly funny. It wasn’t like a funny accidental thing. Dude was trying to mate with the bird.
They had 8 chicks together.