In early May, high atop the roof of the BCIT Downtown Campus a group of tiny goslings was stranded. The goslings couldn’t jump past the rooftop parapet to join their parents. Immediately Adam Dickinson, Manager of Transportation and Grounds, called the Wildlife Rescue Association. “And within an hour they were on the roof to rescue the goslings,” says Adam.
It’s natural for geese to nest on rooftops which gives them a bird’s eye view of approaching danger. But urban obstacles can sometimes land them into trouble. Ideally, the Wildlife Rescue team rescues the whole family together. However in this case the parents did not return to their young BCIT-born brood, so they assimilated the goslings into a family of local geese.
Learn more about hands-on training in the Fish, Wildlife and Recreation program.
The BCIT Facilities team rescues many wild animals each year. According to Adam, they have rescued ducklings and goslings at Guichon Creek, beavers, otters, salmon, and more. Every rescue calls for a unique approach. Therefore, BCIT is in the Wildlife Rescue database which shares real-time information with groups of volunteers. As a result, when someone spots a distressed wild animal they quickly come to its rescue.
Canada Geese mate for life and like to return to the same location each year. So BCIT Facilities is considering more options to prevent nesting in these unsuitable locations. Since BCIT campuses are on the Wild Life Rescue Associations’ Goose Watch, volunteers can quickly come to the aid of distressed geese. Indeed these compassionate acts for wildlife make up a small part of our journey towards ecological restoration.
If you see a distressed wild animal call the Wildlife Helpline (604) 526-7275.
Fantastic! What a great story and the beginning for the new family.
A green roof project would support
any future goslings as well as reduce the building”s carbon footprint–especially reducing heat build up in summers…something to consider? There are many excellent forerunners to learn from and would be a great collaborative opportunity for students, faculty, staff, government, and industry partners.