People Stole Geese From Deal Lake In Asbury Park

ASBURY PARK, NJ — Two geese that have long been fixtures on Deal Lake in Asbury Park went missing last week.

The geese were stolen and taken to a farm in Warren County, in rural northwest New Jersey, according to the Monmouth County SPCA.

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"On September 2, the geese were seen being taken by three individuals and put into a car," said the SPCA. "The people who cared for Taco and Churro were frantic and heartbroken about what could have happened, and turned to social media and the authorities for assistance."

"As it turns out, the geese were taken to a farm up in Warren County. Thanks to the hundreds of shares their posts got, the owners of the farm recognized Taco and Churro and immediately contacted local police."

An Asbury Park Police detective and a Monmouth County SPCA animal control officer made the drive up north to retrieve the geese.

Charges against the owners of the animal farm, or the people who took the geese, have not been announced.

"We want to remind everyone that removing wildlife can result in jail time and heavy fines," said the Monmouth County SPCA. "The investigation is ongoing."

The geese were examined by a veterinarian and are in good health. As of Friday, they are back to swimming and paddling along peaceful, quiet Lake Deal.

The geese have lived on the lake for nearly 15 years now and are beloved by residents and particularly patrons of Catbird restaurant, a lakeside restaurant.

"It was a beautiful reunion with Catbird owner Aimée McElroy and many of their other caretakers," said the SPCA. "They were last seen swimming, eating, and relaxing in their favorite places."