Goose is Released!!!!!

Update: 06/05/05

After spending time in the intensive care section of the Lakeside Nature Center hospital, the Kansas City goose was transferred to the care of a rehabilitator.  After  several days on her pond, the goose took off, flying strongly and honking loudly! 

He's free as he should be!

Original Article
Perhaps the most famous goose in recent Kansas City History is the Canada Goose spotted near Interstate 70 and US 40 in Independence.  Although he had an arrow through his leg, he could still fly.  For a month concerned citizens had been calling the Missouri Department of Conservation and Friends of Lakeside Nature Center asking what to do.  Finally, he was captured by MDC officers and brought to the Center.

After the arrow was surgically removed at Hecker Animal Clinic, the goose returned to the Lakeside hospital to recover.  According to Jesse Mitchell, the naturalist responsible for his care, he is doing nicely.  (Although it is difficult to determine the sex of a Canada goose, the staff is convinced that this guy is male.)

Mitchell reports that his leg was fractured and there is nerve damage, but he is receiving antibiotics and pain medications.  The goose gets physical therapy twice a day -- swimming in a small pool.

The goal, as always, is to get the patient back into the wild as soon as possible.

(Story and photos by Debby Barker)