Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on 14th February in the memory of St. Valentine who was executed in ancient Rome on this day for spreading the message of love. Today, across the world, this day has become an occasion for sharing one’s feelings of love and care for our beloved ones.
In nature, one of the most common examples of care for other members of one’s own species is seen in the form of parental care. Often, creatures are known to defend their mates against an attack from predators or from one’s own kind. In social organisms like honey bees or termites individuals may sacrifice their life for the safety of the colony. Creatures that are considered to exhibit higher intelligence, especially highly developed mammals, may show feelings of grief or compassion towards the weak or incapacitated members of their group.
However, there are very few creatures that show the feelings of love and care for their mates, the way the Sarus Crane does. Standing at approximately 5.5 ft tall, there is no other bird species in the world that is taller than the Sarus Crane and can fly. A Sarus Crane pair enjoys a life-long companionship and it is believed that if one member of the pair dies, the other gives up feeding and starves to death. In the north Indian plains, where during the monsoon season the Sarus Crane pairs nest in the agricultural fields, they are tolerated by the farmers and never disturbed, because it is believed that the bird is a symbol of love and fidelity. While in courtship, Sarus Cranes indulge in elaborate courtship dance with flapping of the wings, shaking of the tail feathers and raising their beaks towards the sky to give out their trumpeting calls.
On the occasion of Valentine’s day, Jim’s Jungle Retreat celebrates the courtship of the Sarus Crane.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentine’s Day from Jim’s Jungle Retreat
