Tori, a red-crowned crane who spent 19 years at Pensthorpe Natural Park, died after a long-term illness that only began to affect her in her final days.
Staff at the park described her as “sassy” and “bold,” and said she would be greatly missed by visitors, members and the team who cared for her daily.
Tori was described as the loudest crane and sassy and bold (Image: Steve Adams)
A spokesman for Pensthorpe Natural Park said: “Tori was an extremely confident bird – sassy, bold and always the loudest crane.
“You’d often hear her distinctive growl and see her striking different poses.
“She made me laugh every day with her big personality, and we’re going to miss her enormously.”
Tori was well known for her close bond with Taro, her long-time companion.
“Tori and Taro had a very strong bond,” the spokesman explained.
“She was protective of him and quite territorial, and she seemed to make him feel safe.
Tori spent 19 years at Pensthorpe (Image: Steve Adams)
“We’ve been watching Taro closely and he’s showing encouraging signs that he’s coping well with the change.
“That’s reassuring for all of us.”
As a breeding pair, Tori and Taro made a significant impact on the captive population of red-crowned cranes in the UK, which will be a “lasting part of her legacy”.
Pensthorpe Natural Park plans to honour Tori’s memory as part of an upcoming project.
The spokesman added: “We want to remember her at Pensthorpe for many years to come.
“As part of the planned expansion and improvements to the crane habitat next year, we’d like to include a sign or plaque in her memory.”