The Animal Care Team are thrilled at the new hatchling that appeared from behind the pampas grass with the parent birds this morning – a Hawaiian Gosling (otherwise known as a Nene Gosling).
Hawaiian Geese (Branta sandvicensis) are among the most isolated, sedentary and threatened of all waterfowl (it is the sixth most endangered waterfowl species in the world). They previously bred on all or most of the Hawaiian Islands, but are now restricted to Hawaii, Kauai and Maui. Females typically nest on the ground and lay an average of 3 eggs. Sometimes called “Nene” these are unique among geese in that they are not normally observed near water. The reduced webbing on their feet is an adaptation to their rugged upland habitat.
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