Injured Cape Goose One Step Closer To Reuniting With Devoted Mate

BARNSTABLE, MA — A goose that underwent surgery at the Cape Wildlife Center is a step closer to being reunited with its devoted mate in the wild.

Arnold, a Canada goose, underwent surgery last month after staff found him suffering in pain at a pond near the Cape Wildlife Center. The goose had developed a significant limp and was continuously falling over due to open fractures on his foot. Wildlife center officials said the injuries likely were from an attack from a snapping turtle or other predator.

So staff brought Arnold in for surgery; and though typically the center doesn't allow patient visitors, the staff made a heartwarming exception. The exception was because Arnold's longtime mate, Amelia, stood outside the window of the animal hospital and refused to leave until she knew her partner was safe. And even after Arnold's surgery, Amelia has frequently visited the wildlife center to share meals with Arnold in an outdoor playpen.

And soon, veterinary staff say, Arnold and Amelia will be able to reunite in the wild. On Tuesday, the wildlife center's veterinary team determined Arnold's foot was healed enough for them to remove the bandages.

"This was nerve wracking (for all involved) as it was the first time we were able to assess his gait post-surgery," a spokesperson for the Cape Wildlife Center said in a Facebook post. "We knew he was able get around, but the large bandage and protective boot were a bit awkward and made waddling difficult. Geese are heavy birds and a permanent limp could potentially lead to further health complications so there was a lot riding on this, but......he did great!!"

Center staff said Arnold will soon move outside to a large enclosure with a pool for a final stretch of observation and re-acclimation before returning to the wild.