The Crane and the Keeper: How an Endangered Crane Chose a Human as Her Mate

The true story, widely reported on social and in print media, of a white-naped crane who saw her human keeper as her mate—forging a remarkable connection that might just save a species

What was wrong with Walnut? The white-naped crane was friendly and curious—except when it came to other cranes. Raised by humans, Walnut didn’t see herself as a bird and could not live peacefully—or breed—with others of her species. Rejected by several zoos, she arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Conservation Biology Institute. Would this be her last chance? Meanwhile, Chris Crowe had also just arrived at the zoo, as crane keeper. It was his job to care for and help breed the birds at the institute. It was clear that breeding Walnut wasn’t going to be easy, but with skill and patience, Chris slowly earned the crane’s trust, and an extraordinary partnership evolved. In a picture book sure to appeal to wildlife fans—and anyone who appreciates a unique unlikely friendship tale—award-winning author Meeg Pincus shares the story of the incredible bond between a crane and her keeper.

Meeg Pincus is the author of many award-winning nonfiction books for children. Among them is Cougar Crossing: How Hollywood’s Celebrity Cougar Helped Build a Bridge for City Wildlife, illustrated by Alexander Vidal, which was awarded the Bank Street College Cook Prize. She also wrote the Golden Kite Honor Book Winged Wonders: Solving the Monarch Migration Mystery, illustrated by Yas Imamura, which Kirkus Reviews called “a fascinating and inspiring STEAM-driven tale” in a starred review. Meeg Pincus lives in southern California.

Gillian Eilidh O’Mara is an illustrator, author, and mixed-media artist. She has illustrated several books for children, including When God Made the World and All the Colors of Christmas, both by Matthew Paul Turner. Gillian Eilidh O’Mara lives and works in Scotland.