Andy Meeker says the Canada goose in the fields of the Green Ridge Farm just outside Coombs has to be André.
This particular goose spent its infancy with the rabbits in a shelter at the World Parrot Refuge, and survived an attack on the rabbits last month. It was later sent to Wild Arc — an SPCA program in Metchosin outside Victoria — where it could grow and be returned to the wild.
André, as the goose came to be known in Coombs, was released at Florence Lake July 26. A few days later, Meeker said he — or a goose like him — turned up at the farm he caretakes.
“He showed up here about a week ago,” said Meeker. “It’s just gotta be that goose.”
The goose shows little fear of humans, Meeker said, and often follows him around the farm.
“Wild geese just aren’t going to do this,” he said.
While Meeker is convinced this is André, others aren’t so sure.
Susan Vickery, who takes care of the rabbits — which came from the grounds of the University of Victoria — said while it’s possible André flew back, she doubts it.
“I find it highly unlikely.”
When Andre left her care, she said he couldn’t fly. Yet, Vickery is amused at the thought André might have returned.
Kari Marks, manager of Wild Arc, said André was on the verge of flying when he was released. She added geese can often lose their fear of people if they are fed, so the bird at Green Ridge Farm could be another goose.
However, she added, since geese are migratory animals, it is possible André flew home.