Sunday, April 2nd 2023, 7:26 pm
Losing a loved one is hard for people, but it can also be hard for geese, who mate for life.
One goose comes to a Tulsa building every year near where his mate was run over by a car, to search for his lost love.
Most assignments we get feel like a wild goose chase, but this story really is, as we follow along for Goostauve’s harrowing journey.
They say birds of a feather flock together. But Goostauve walks alone.
Geese migrate twice a year.
Year after year, Goostauve comes back to the this bank near 71st and Lewis.
Workers at the bank said it's for a heartbreaking reason that happened about five years ago.
“His mate had been run over," said Melissa Harnden. "He comes back every year. He was banging his head on the window frothing and upset.”
Melissa Harnden works at the building and noticed Goostauve taking a gander at his reflection and wandering around.
"Usually he's up by this window and up on top of the drive thru," Harnden said.
Oklahoma Wildlife department Biologist Paxton Smith said Goostauve may be pecking at his reflection since he thinks it’s his mate or a competing male.
“Geese are individuals; they have their own personalities and do their own things," said Smith.
Goostauve third wheels with a gaggle of two other geese but he is still searching for his love.
“Resident Canada geese are monogamous, so they mate for life for the most part," said Smith.
Melissa wants to help the geese.
She started a fundraiser to pay for an expert to come out and see if he can or should be relocated and maybe find a new mate.
She's raised more than $500.
“If we raise more money, that will go straight to local wildlife charities.”
As Goostauve works through his pain, Melissa hopes he may find love again.
"If it works out it'll be a cute love story. If not, we will leave him be, let him do his thing," said Melissa.
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