Dublin show reveals uncommon description of hen earlier than extinction – The Irish Instances

The dodo is making a comeback – if not in actual life, then no less than in an exhibition at a Dublin library.

The unique, flightless hen is likely one of the finest identified examples of species extinction, having final been noticed in 1662.

It was solely discovered on the island of Mauritius, with Europeans inflicting its loss of life via the introduction of predators together with canine and rats.

Last week Colossal Biosciences, a biotechnology firm based mostly in Texas, stated it needs to de-extinct the dodo together with a number of different species. It envisages dodos being reintroduced to Mauritius inside seven to 10 years.

In the meantime, you possibly can catch a glimpse of the dodo on the Birds Exhibition, which has opened on the Edward Worth Library in Dr Steevens’ Hospital in Dublin 8.

One of the uncommon books owned by the Dublin physician Edward Worth consists of descriptions and drawings of the hen when it was nonetheless current by the Flemish doctor and botanist Carolus Clusius.

Along with an in depth description of the hen’s look, Clusius recounted why it was by no means going to be a fixture on the dinner desk.

“Sailors name this bird in their language Walgh-vogel, that is, nauseating bird, partly because from after long boiling its flesh did not become more tender, but remained hard and difficult to digest (except its breast and stomach, which were ascertained to be no despicable flavour) [and] partly because they could get many turtledoves, which were found to be delicate and more pleasant to the palate.”

BirdWatch Ireland member Derek O’Reilly stated the Edward Worth assortment consists of “internationally important, beautifully illustrated editions of some of the world’s earliest publications on ornithology.

“Our understanding of birds has come a long way, not least our understanding of the critical challenges of climate change, habitat loss and pollution. This exhibition reminds us of the need to ensure that the wonderful world of birds is preserved and protected into the future.”

Edward Worth Library librarian Dr Elizabethanne Boran stated the gathering was an enormous supply of curiosity within the early trendy interval.

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“We are thrilled to be custodians of this historically important collection. The online exhibition is the Worth Library Trust’s way of sharing the works with as many people as possible.

“A smaller display-case exhibition will be on view in the Edward Worth Library itself and the public are welcome to view a selection of pieces free of charge by making an appointment to visit the library at edwardworthlibrary.ie.”