Bird with odd-shaped head ‘fine to go about its goosey business’
VISITORS HAS SKULL DEFORMITY
A GOOSE with a strangely-shaped head has prompted a flood of calls to the RSPCA.
But despite its peculiar appearance, the charity said there is very little wrong with the animal.
The facially-flawed waterfowl has been spotted by a number of visitors to Watermead Park who assumed it had been injured.
Inspectors went to the park as a result and they managed to capture the goose, which they took to a vet for a thorough check-up.
It turns out the bird’s disfigurement is due to an ultimately harmless skull deformity.
An RSPCA spokeswoman said: “We want to reassure the public that a goose with an unusual-shaped head is fine and not injured – and it is a result of him having a skull deformity.
“The bird was sedated, had his head X-rayed and vets advised that he was not injured.
“They said his larger-than-usual head was a result of a skull deformity, but the deformity is not causing him any distress, discomfort or suffering at the moment.”
The job of catching the goose was left to RSPCA inspector Richard Durant and animal rescue officer Rebecca Frost.
Richard said: “I’m pleased to report nothing sinister was found.
“He is still very active and bright, staying with the flock and eating fine, so the decision was made to rerelease him back with his friends.”
The RSPCA inspector thanked the public for looking out for wildlife in the park but, in this case, urged them to leave the bird alone.
“We just want the public to know he has been checked and all is fine,” he said.
“We know he does look a little different to the others, but as long as he’s not suffering then he can go about his normal goose life. If his condition does deteriorate, then we would urge the public to contact us, but if he is just going about his daily goosey business and is eating and swimming okay - then there’s no need to ring us.
“We are sure lots of people will continue to monitor him and if anything changes we will be happy to attend again.”
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in need of care call the charity’s donation line on 0300 123 8181.
VET FINDS ANIMAL REPORTED TO THE RSPCA BY CONCERNED PARK