Canada Goose

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(Branta canadensis)

Date of admission: Sept 28, 2025.
Reason for admission: Physical Injury.

Patient History:

The Canada goose is one of Canada’s most emblematic species, and - once threatened by overhunting and habitat loss - can today be found across the country from coast to coast. Canada geese are historically migratory, traveling short or long distances in the iconic V-formation flight to reach their northern breeding sites in the spring and temperate overwintering grounds in the fall. Today, many Canada goose populations are year-round residents, particularly in urban areas where food and water are abundant. 

Canada geese breed in February and March, and will return to the same area each year to raise their young. Female geese construct the nest and will lay a clutch of five to six eggs. The male will defend the nest for roughly two weeks while she incubates. Goslings are hatched in late March and April, and goose families will stick together for one to two years before the young begin to split off from the group to find their own mates. Canada geese mate for life, selecting a partner with a similar body size to themselves in an event known as “assortative mating”. 

This Canada goose came to AIWC after she was found limping in northwest Calgary. Upon her arrival, animal care staff identified a fracture in her left tibiotarsus - a large bone in the hind leg. After performing X-rays, our team was surprised to find the goose had seven shotgun pellets embedded throughout her body. She had no entry wounds on the surface of her skin, suggesting these pellets had been embedded for at least three weeks before her rescue, though it was unclear if they were related to her limb injury.

After allowing her a few days to adjust to her new environment, this goose underwent surgery to pin the fractured bone in place and begin the healing process. Since her operation, she has been resting comfortably and self-feeding tremendously well. She is undergoing physiotherapy to help heal the injury, and with time, has graduated to swimming under supervision during the day. Our animal care team continues to monitor her for signs of discomfort in relation to the pellets beneath her skin. This goose will need to remain in care at AIWC until she can fully bear weight on her left hind limb and the feather waterproofing around her injury is fully complete. Thank you for supporting her care!