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

by **Meeg Pincus** (Author), **Gillian Eilidh O'Mara** (Illustrator)

**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.

### Author Biography

**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.

**Number of Pages:** 40

**Dimensions:** 0.5 x 11 x 9.8 IN

**Illustrated:** Yes

**Publication Date:** January 28, 2025

## Details

- **Price:** 18.99 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 18.99 USD | In stock |

## Images

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

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> Updated: 2026-07-21