Rescued Canada goose shows complete joy at being free

Honker is a happy goose, showing complete joy at the prospect of being free to swim and fly again, and he has good reason to be so joyful. Honker was found by a kind person in late autumn, weeks after he should have flown south for the winter. It was obvious that something was wrong with his wing and that he was not likely to survive the winter. Canada geese migrate so that they can find food and avoid the harsh climate that comes with the end of autumn.

Honker's rescuer fed him for a few days and watched him carefully. He was very hungry and readily gobbled up the corn and grains that he was offered. But he made no attempt to fly and his right wing hung pitifully low. It was possible that Honker had been attacked or had suffered an accident, but he clearly needed help.

Honker was taken to a bird rehab facility where he was examined. He was underweight and he had a fractured wing. He was going to need antibiotics, a wing splint, and some serious care. He would also need to be housed and fed for the winter to regain his strength as he healed. Honker proved to be a fantastic patient and he quickly learned to trust his new friends. He ate well and allowed them to apply a bandage and splint to aid with recovery. After several weeks, his splint was removed and he took part in stretching and other exercises to help him learn to use his wing again. Honker put on weight and soon reached the proper size.

On a warm spring day, he was taken down to Lake Ontario, near where he was found, and he was carried to the shore. He was placed on the beach and released. Honker couldn't believe his eyes. He waddled around on the shore, then he waded in the water. He stretched and flapped his wings, something that he did whenever he seemed happy. He dipped his head in the water and splashed around. He swam out onto the water and played happily. As happy as he was to be free, Honker actually came back and walked completely around his friend from the rehab facility, as if to say a final goodbye. Perhaps he was even hoping his rehabber would join him in the water. The two had become very close and Honker had followed him around every day over the winter.
Eventually, it seemed that Honker had figured out that he was free and that he should go off in search of his own kind. Honker waddled into the water and swam off, looking behind him one more time as he left.

Watching an animal go free is a great reward for an animal rehabber. It is even sweeter when the animals show such joy at being wild again. But to have an animal show understanding and some sort of attempt to say goodbye is an emotional and unforgettable experience. Honker will always be remembered by those who cared for him. Hopefully Honker will remember them too.