Episode 1 of 1
Last Recorded Great Auks Killed on Eldey
- When
- 3 June 1844
- Where
- Eldey Island
The last confirmed pair of great auks was killed on Eldey, Iceland, on 3 June 1844, ending the last known breeding attempt.
Icelandic sailors Jón Brandsson and Sigurður Ísleifsson strangled the adults, who were found incubating an egg. Ketill Ketilsson accidentally cracked the last egg of the species with his boot during the struggle. The killing was requested by a merchant seeking specimens.
Sources
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