A tragic mystery has unfolded at Riverside Cemetery, leaving hearts heavy: Scout, the beloved goose brought in to be a companion, has unexpectedly passed away. Just a month after arriving at her new home, the one-and-a-half-year-old Emden goose was found deceased last Sunday. But here's where it gets controversial... what could have caused this sudden loss?
According to Riverside Cemetery General Manager Kelly Schott, Scout appeared perfectly healthy just the day before. "She was just fine," Schott stated, emphasizing the shock of the discovery. This lack of warning signs only deepens the mystery surrounding Scout's death.
To uncover the truth, Scout’s body was promptly transported to the state veterinarian in Des Moines on Monday. A necropsy, essentially an animal autopsy, is being conducted to determine the precise cause of death. Schott explained, "We’re going to check for avian flu and other factors such as stress, if someone fed her something… It will be a complete necropsy." The results, eagerly awaited by the community, will be shared as soon as they become available. And this is the part most people miss... the thoroughness of the investigation underscores the cemetery's commitment to the well-being of its animal residents.
Scout's arrival in November was intended to provide companionship for Frankie, another resident goose who had been grieving the loss of his partner, Blossom. Blossom was tragically killed by a vehicle in October, leaving Frankie alone. Now, heartbreakingly, Frankie finds himself alone once more.
Looking ahead, Schott indicated that the search for a new companion for Frankie will be postponed until the spring. This decision is driven by two key concerns. First, they want to avoid exposing a potentially domestically raised goose to the harsh winter conditions, minimizing stress. Second, the delay allows them to better assess and mitigate the risk of avian flu, which has been a concern in the region. But here's where it gets controversial... some might argue that Frankie shouldn't have to wait so long for a companion, despite the valid concerns. What do you think?
The threat of avian flu, specifically the H5N1 strain, became a concern in December when reports surfaced of migrating geese succumbing to the illness in Iowa. While Schott assured that no birds at Riverside were displaying symptoms at that time, the staff remains vigilant, continuously monitoring the flock for any signs of illness. Any deceased birds will be promptly removed to prevent potential spread. Notably, there were instances where some birds appeared dizzy, but Schott clarified that they recovered and moved on, alleviating immediate concerns.
Schott also addressed previous bird deaths, mentioning that two geese were found frozen to the pond. She explained that these deaths were attributed to the geese sleeping on thin ice, a common behavior, rather than any underlying illness. "Nature is nature," Schott acknowledged, highlighting the limitations in preventing such occurrences with a non-captive flock. "I wish it was preventative, and we can’t quarantine the birds as they are not a captive flock. This was heartbreaking. Scout was such a fun goose. We were happy to have her here and she was happy to be here, paddling away on the lake. She had gotten along fine with the other birds. Scout was home."
The sudden loss of Scout has undoubtedly left a void at Riverside Cemetery. The community awaits the necropsy results, hoping for answers and closure. It raises questions: Could more have been done to protect Scout? How can we better safeguard the well-being of the cemetery's animal residents in the future? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below. Let's discuss how we can learn from this tragedy and work together to create a safer environment for all creatures at Riverside Cemetery.
