Throughout this past summer, golfers at the Amberwood Golf Course in Stittsville unofficially adopted a 'mascot': a Canada goose who could not fly. The bird was obviously born with a defect in its wings, (a condition called 'angel wings) yet he was able to walk, forage for food and 'be a goose'. His strong spirit was an inspiration. With colder weather, the good people at the Amberwood Golf Course took him to the Wild Bird Care Centre (we are so lucky to have this facility!) However, it would appear that bureaucracy BEYOND the Wild Bird Care Centre may be intervening, and the goose may be euthanized. The following is a press release about the story. Can we save Angel Wings?
ONTARIO WILDLIFE COALITION
221 Broadview Avenue, Suite 101
Toronto, ON M4M 2G3
416-462-9541 (p) 416-462-9647 (f)
Is the fate of this Ottawa goose cooked?
Fate of flightless Canada goose “Angel Wings” in the
hands of an agency with no jurisdiction!
Appeals made to Premier McGuinty and Minister
Baird, both Ottawa politicians to intervene to save this bird.
November 13, 2007: The fate of a flightless Canada goose who survived the first few months of his or her life on the grounds of the Amberwood Golf and County Club remains unresolved.
"This young goose has generated tremendous public interest here in Ottawa," said Donna DuBreuil, spokesperson with the Ontario Wildlife Coalition. "There has been a lot of public concern and media interest. The goose has a medical condition called “angel wing” which prevents it from flying. It is otherwise in good condition and has not only survived but thrived on a local golf course over the summer."
Because of the cold weather and approaching winter, the goose was removed from the golf course and is temporarily being held at the Wild Bird Care Centre. Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary could provide a permanent home for this goose because it has the necessary migratory bird permits and has a single non-releasable goose who needs a companion.
"We are deeply concerned with the fate of this bird," said Barry MacKay, Canadian Representative for the Animal Protection Institute. "Although the Canadian Wildlife Service has jurisdiction over migratory birds such as Canada geese, there are repeated references to the Ministry of Natural Resources as deciding the fate of the goose. In our estimation, this is very bad news for the goose given the Ministry's approach to many wildlife concerns."
"Ottawa residents are deeply concerned for the welfare of the goose and do not want to see the bird killed. They think this goose has earned the right to be placed in an appropriate captive-care facility to live with other geese," said Liz White, Director of Animal Alliance and spokesperson for the Ontario Wildlife Coalition. "With the involvement of the Ministry of Natural Resources, we are concerned about the fate of this goose. That’s why we've written to Premier McGuinty as an Ottawa area MPP to ensure that the Ministry does not breach its jurisdiction by determining the fate of this bird. And that's why we have written to the Honourable John Baird, federal Minister of the Environment, to intervene and ensure proper long term care placement for the goose."
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Contact information: Donna DuBreuil, 613-726-8178, Barry MacKay 905-472-9731, Liz White, 416-462-9541, 416-809-4371(cell)
221 Broadview Avenue, Suite 101
Toronto, ON M4M 2G3
416-462-9541 (p) 416-462-9647 (f)
Is the fate of this Ottawa goose cooked?
Fate of flightless Canada goose “Angel Wings” in the
hands of an agency with no jurisdiction!
Appeals made to Premier McGuinty and Minister
Baird, both Ottawa politicians to intervene to save this bird.
November 13, 2007: The fate of a flightless Canada goose who survived the first few months of his or her life on the grounds of the Amberwood Golf and County Club remains unresolved.
"This young goose has generated tremendous public interest here in Ottawa," said Donna DuBreuil, spokesperson with the Ontario Wildlife Coalition. "There has been a lot of public concern and media interest. The goose has a medical condition called “angel wing” which prevents it from flying. It is otherwise in good condition and has not only survived but thrived on a local golf course over the summer."
Because of the cold weather and approaching winter, the goose was removed from the golf course and is temporarily being held at the Wild Bird Care Centre. Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary could provide a permanent home for this goose because it has the necessary migratory bird permits and has a single non-releasable goose who needs a companion.
"We are deeply concerned with the fate of this bird," said Barry MacKay, Canadian Representative for the Animal Protection Institute. "Although the Canadian Wildlife Service has jurisdiction over migratory birds such as Canada geese, there are repeated references to the Ministry of Natural Resources as deciding the fate of the goose. In our estimation, this is very bad news for the goose given the Ministry's approach to many wildlife concerns."
"Ottawa residents are deeply concerned for the welfare of the goose and do not want to see the bird killed. They think this goose has earned the right to be placed in an appropriate captive-care facility to live with other geese," said Liz White, Director of Animal Alliance and spokesperson for the Ontario Wildlife Coalition. "With the involvement of the Ministry of Natural Resources, we are concerned about the fate of this goose. That’s why we've written to Premier McGuinty as an Ottawa area MPP to ensure that the Ministry does not breach its jurisdiction by determining the fate of this bird. And that's why we have written to the Honourable John Baird, federal Minister of the Environment, to intervene and ensure proper long term care placement for the goose."
- 30 –
Contact information: Donna DuBreuil, 613-726-8178, Barry MacKay 905-472-9731, Liz White, 416-462-9541, 416-809-4371(cell)
