end0skeletal:Pearl, the albino common raven, was raised in captivity after being found as a fledglin
end0skeletal:Pearl, the albino common raven, was raised in captivity after being found as a fledgling. Her white feathers lacked melanin and had an atypical structure that stripped them of waterproofing abilities. They were sticky and collected dirt, giving Pearl a grimy sheen.The raven was also vulnerable to sunlight and couldn’t endure long flights, tiring easily because of her brittle feathers. Living in the wild would have been a death sentence.Instead, Pearl worked as an ambassador for a non-profit organization in California, Talon Conservation Inc. “Even people who didn’t like birds would say ‘Wow’ when they saw her,” said her caretaker. “That was Pearl’s first word because she thought it was a normal greeting.” Pearl picked up some other commonly heard phrases too, like “I love you,” “Oh my God,” and “What a mess!”Unfortunately, in 2015, Pearl escaped her leashes and was eventually found shot; she died on the way to the vet. Ravens are protected by theMigratory Bird Treaty Act and killing one can earn you a hefty fine – $5,000 to $10,000 and up to a year in prison. Despite her caretaker offering a $5,000 reward, Pearl’s killer was never found.(Article Source, Photo Source) -- source link
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