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Despite his wealth and achievements, Walter faced financial difficulties throughout his life. The burden of maintaining his museum and collecting endeavors led him to sell parts of his collection—most notably, his valuable bird collection to the American Museum of Natural History in 1931. Personal hardships, including extortion by a former lover’s husband, further strained his resources. Nonetheless, Walter remained committed to his scientific work, describing and naming numerous new species, including the iconic Rothschild giraffe. His collections and research significantly advanced the understanding of zoology and became a foundational resource for scientists worldwide.