An Unexpected Tug in the Park
A sharp tug at his khaki pants made the gardener spin around in surprise on the paved walkway.
Standing right behind him was a large Canada goose, its beak firmly clamped onto his trousers.
The man stepped back, eyes wide, as the bird let go and took a deliberate step toward the lake.
It squawked softly, turning its neck back to make sure he was watching before walking down the pathway.
Following the Guide
The gardener picked up his woven basket containing a green towel and orange scissors.
He walked a few paces behind the bird as it navigated the curve along the water’s edge.
The goose didn’t fly away or run off; it maintained a steady pace, checking behind itself every few yards.
It led him directly to a grassy patch near a bed of colorful tulips.
Unraveling the Trap
Lying on the grass was a second goose, tightly wrapped in discarded white plastic netting.
The trapped bird shifted uncomfortably, unable to extend its wings or stand up properly.
The gardener knelt beside the bird on the lawn, lowering his voice as he approached.
He unfolded the green towel from his basket and gently draped it over the bird’s back to keep it calm.
With a pair of orange scissors in hand, he began carefully snipping away at the thin plastic strands coiled around its neck and torso.
Each snip cut away another layer of mesh until the netting pulled free from the bird’s feathers.
Back to the Water
The gardener gathered the cut plastic mesh and placed it securely inside his basket.
The freed goose stood up, shook out its feathers, and took its first clear steps across the grass.
Its partner stood alongside it, quiet and relaxed on the lawn.
A few moments later, the gardener knelt by the flowerbed with his green watering can.
He tipped the green watering can over the flowerbed as the pair of geese stood side by side near the water.
Know someone who loves wild animal rescues? Share this story with them.