Long-lived member of the vulnerable species was coaxed into reproducing by her zookeeper and eventually hatched eight chicks

Long-lived member of the vulnerable species was coaxed into reproducing by her zookeeper and eventually hatched eight chicks

A great, but odd, love story has come to an end.

Walnut, a white-naped crane and internet celebrity, has died at the age of 42. She is survived by eight chicks, the loving staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and by Chris Crowe – a human zookeeper whom Walnut regarded as her proxy mate for nearly 20 years.

“Walnut was a unique individual with a vivacious personality,” Crowe said in a statement released by the zoo. “I’ll always be grateful for her bond with me.”

The tale dates back to the bird’s 2004 arrival at the institute’s campus in Front Royal, Virginia.

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    Crowe, according to a zoo statement, won her over by “observing and mimicking” the institute’s male white-naped cranes’ actions during breeding season.

    Videos show Crowe offering Walnut food as well as grass and leaves for nest-building materials. When he flaps his arms in front of her, the majestic tall bird flaps excitedly in response and dances in a half-circle with her head bobbing.

    “Well, he’s ugly, but he has a nice personality.”