It interests me that AD, who knows his stuff, is unfamiliar with this bird. I have a feeling that they're nowhere near as common as they were 30 years ago in zoos. Anyone agree or disagree?
I have a feeling they are less abundant in the UK & Europe than they used to be. First, they used to be regarded as 'endangered', and now appear to be in better numbers in the wild, so there is not the conservation imperative to keep them. Second, their big drawback is the near impossibility of keeping them with other geese due to their belligerent nature. I once rescued a full-winged wild Canada goose from a pinioned pair of Cereopsis [the alternative & in the UK at least, more usual name] that had got hold of it and would have killed it. Fine birds. Love the heart shaped markings on each feather.
