The crane and the keeper How an endangered crane chose a human as her mate

As a white-naped crane, Walnut was part of a dwindling species. The others in captivity were closely related, so it was important that she, whose parents had been wild, reproduce. Unfortunately, she had imprinted on a human early on in her life. In her mind, she was human too. When sent to zoos for mating, she lashed out at male cranes who approached her. She was sent to a zoo in Virginia, where Chris Crowe, the new crane keeper, took care of her. At first, Walnut was aggressive, but after years of patience and many treats, Crowe gained her trust. She sat quietly for injections, which enabled her to lay fertilized eggs, and she helped her species by raising seven chicks. Pincus' telling of this true story is sympathetic to both Walnut and to Crowe, whose boyhood experience of seeing a bison inspired his career choice. O'Mara, a Scottish artist, illustrates the story with great warmth. The back matter offers further information on Walnut, crane species, and animal imprinting. A picture book with broad appeal.

This nonfiction picture book tells the intriguing story of Walnut, a white-naped crane who imprinted on a human when she first hatched in 1981. Over the next two decades, she is subsequently sent to, and removed from, multiple zoos due to aggressive behavior. At the age of twenty-four, she enters a specialized breeding program for endangered cranes under the care of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), where she forms a close relationship with crane keeper Chris Crowe. Pincus skillfully weaves information about animal behavior and themes of trust and companionship into a story that highlights how patience and understanding can lead to extraordinary connections. The text is informative and accessible, detailing Walnut's journey while emphasizing the importance of conservation and explaining the critical role of breeding programs in preserving wildlife. O'Mara's digital illustrations, using soft colors that beautifully capture the realistic expressions of the crane, effectively convey the bond between bird and human. Back matter includes a glossary, a bibliography and resources, an interview with Crowe, and further information about NZCBI. Kirsten CaldwellJanuary/February 2025 p.104 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Walnut, the white-naped crane, has a long and fulfilling life thanks to help and patience from wildlife keeper Chris Crowe. Born in 1981, Walnut is an unusual crane who imprinted on a human as a chick. This upbringing meant that she rebuffed potential mates, which concerned conservationists, since her genes were crucial to the survival of her species. Walnut was sent to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, where she met Chris Crowe, a wildlife keeper with a special devotion to animals. His unusual methods and complete dedication to Walnut enabled her to give birth to seven chicks over 11 years, an important contribution to the crane population. This compelling tale about the unique connection between bird and humanity will help young readers understand the harm humans have done to the world's wildlife and the ensuing responsibility they have to make things better for creatures. The illustrations enrich the narrative with stunning close-ups of Walnut and other birds taking flight against a warm, sunset sky. Backmatter includes information about Walnut, other white-naped cranes, and animal imprinting, along with a Q & A with Chris Crowe. Readers will finish the book with empathy for Walnut and appreciation for the work conservationists do. The story successfully demonstrates Crow's long-held mantra: "If humans harm wildlife species, then humans must save them." Crowe and other humans have tan skin. An informative, richly illustrated call to action. (websites and further reading, bibliography, glossary)(Picture book. 6-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.