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National

Esperance community fears for Cape Barren goose in mourning after mate's death

The grieving goose has returned every day to the spot where its partner was found dead three weeks ago. (ABC News: Emily Smith)

A lonely bird is breaking hearts in Esperance on Western Australia's south coast. 

For more than three weeks, the Cape Barren goose has been returning every day to the scene where it tragically lost its mate, and many believe it is grief-stricken.

But concern is growing that the remaining goose risks meeting a similar fate to its partner, whose death was reported to police for investigation.

The Cape Barren goose held up traffic at the Esperance foreshore yesterday.  (Supplied: Lauren Ford)

A Christmas tragedy

In early December, the Cape Barren goose arrived in Esperance with its partner to the delight of many residents. 

According to BirdLife Australia, the species is monogamous and forms life-long bonds and, like an old married couple, the pair were often seen wandering the town's foreshore together. 

The two geese were regularly seen at the Esperance foreshore last month. (ABC News: Emily Smith)

But just after Christmas, tragedy struck. 

One of the geese was found dead near one of the town's main roundabouts, across the road from the Pier Hotel.

The pair was frequently seen wandering along together. (ABC News: Emily Smith)

Some suspected the bird had been hit by a car and said they saw tyre marks leading off the road onto the grassed area where it was found.

But according to police, the local vet found no evidence of external trauma that would explain the bird's death.

A police spokesperson said investigations were unable to establish any criminality with regards to the death. 

The two geese were first seen in Esperance in early December.  (ABC News: Emily Smith)

"I saw the tyre marks on the lawn because I drive past there every day," Esperance resident Jan Archer said.

"I was hoping that someone would be found responsible for doing it."

As the species is listed as vulnerable, the penalty for killing one could be as high as $200,000.

'It breaks my heart'

The grieving goose at the spot where its mate was found dead earlier this month. (ABC News: Emily Smith)

While it is believed the lone goose may go to Esperance's nearby islands at night, every day it returns to the site where its mate died.

"It's so sad, I drive past every day and get a lump in [my] throat," one resident wrote on Facebook.

"Seeing the partner all alone breaks my heart," another said.

Esperance residents worry the mourning goose may be hit by a car. (ABC News: Emily Smith)

Fears for survivor 

Cape Barren geese are important to the Esperance community and feature in murals and logos throughout the town.

The location where the goose died is just across the road from The Loose Goose Bar and Restaurant.

The lone goose now stands just across the road from The Loose Goose restaurant.  (ABC News: Emily Smith)

The predicament of the surviving goose is now the talk of the town and some residents, like Jane Coole, believe its place of mourning is dangerously close to the road.

Although the Shire of Esperance has put up warning signs to alert drivers to the goose's presence, Ms Coole believes authorities could try moving it. 

A Cape Barren goose mural in the Esperance town centre. (ABC News: Emily Smith)

"It's a bit too close to the road and it is fairly risky.

"I've seen a few Instagram posts of people filming it … but sort of chasing it, which is not ideal. It's really in the busiest spot in town."

'It would potentially return to the area'

Perth bird enthusiast Geoff Groom came to Esperance to see a Cape Barren goose last year.

He did not believe the remaining bird's behaviour was unusual, but agreed it was risky.

Cape Barren geese feature on the Esperance Golf Club sign. (ABC News: Emily Smith)

But the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions believes any effort to relocate the bird would only cause it more stress. 

"Relocating the goose is not an option as catching and transporting it would likely cause significant stress to the bird and, as they are highly mobile, it would potentially return to the area," a spokesperson said.

She asked the public not to approach the goose as that may cause it further stress or injury.

Anyone who comes across sick or injured native animals is asked to call the Wildcare Helpline on (08) 9474 9055.

The Esperance community loves Cape Barren geese. (ABC News: Emily Smith)
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