Gosling takes on the role of adoptive parent at Scottish SPCA’s wildlife centre
Jimmy Choo arrived at the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre last week by himself after being found by a member of the public in Kennoway.
The team had to think carefully about how to best care for him while waiting for another gosling to arrive.
Goslings, as well as other young waterfowl such as ducklings and cygents, need companionship and plenty of social interaction during the early stages of their development – and thankfully little Jimmy Choo has found just that.
Caitlin Ganley, Senior Wildlife Assistant at the centre, said: “Jimmy arrived in our care weighing just 95 grams. Based on his weight, we estimated that he had hatched very recently, while the colouration of his beak confirmed him to be a Greylag Goose.
“After just one week with us, he is doing so well and now weighs over 200 grams – more than double his arrival weight.
“He has quickly adapted to his new leadership role!”
Jimmy was introduced to a group of similarly aged ducklings at the centre, however, as a gosling, he’s slightly larger than his new gang – so much so that they seem to think he’s their parent.
Thankfully, Jimmy has settled into this position and is continuing to bond with his temporary family. He will remain with them until another gosling arrives, at which point the pair will be introduced and continue their rehabilitation journey together.
From there, they will progress through to the outdoor paddock at the centre, building strength and developing the skills they will need for life in the wild before eventual release once they are both fully independent.
Follow SPCA advice for what do if you come across a lone baby animal. If in doubt, you can contact our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
The Scottish SPCA is Scotland’s only all animal welfare charity and every year, we respond to thousands of calls to help wildlife – like Jimmy Choo. Please donate to our Wild Lives appeal today and help give Scotland’s wildlife a fighting chance.