Wild geese
07-04-2025
Have you ever wondered where the prey animals fed at the zoo come from? Often, they are specially bred for animal feed. While this ensures all zoo animals receive appropriate nutrition, it is not sustainable. However, there are more sustainable ways to feed large carnivores—using prey animals from 'waste streams.' A well-known example is day-old chicks. But did you know that geese also come from such a waste stream? Let us explain more.
Why are wild geese captured? In recent years, more and more geese have been coming to the Netherlands. The country is an ideal destination for geese: during the day, they can find ample food in the meadows and fields, and at night, our waters offer safe resting places. Unfortunately, these large numbers of geese also cause problems. Farmers suffer from the damage geese cause and chase them away from their land. As a result, geese search for other places, often ending up near highways and airports. These areas often have quiet grass patches, where no people or other animals are present. An ideal spot for geese, but a major risk for (air) traffic. Collisions with geese can happen quickly and cause significant damage.
How are the geese captured? The geese are herded together and then caught using large nets. They are then quickly killed using CO2.
What is the quality of these geese? These geese are whole and contain everything a large carnivore needs. They are well-fleshed and have a good balance between meat and bone. The organs provide a vitamin- and mineral-rich food package. The feathers act as animal fibers, an important part of the natural diet for many carnivorous animals. After being killed, the geese are quickly cooled and frozen, minimizing bacterial growth and preserving quality.
Can these geese be infected with avian flu? If avian flu is present in an area, it is prohibited to capture geese. To ensure no avian flu is present, capture areas are monitored by inspectors. If animals with avian flu are present, this is always evident; these animals are (partially) paralyzed and will not run or fly away during capture. The entire capture process is supervised by authorized officers, reducing the risk of avian flu in captured geese to a minimum.
When are the geese captured? The geese are primarily captured during the molting period. From mid-May, there is a three-week period during which the geese shed their old feathers for new ones. During this time, they cannot fly, making it easier to herd them together.
Why choose geese?
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Together, we can ensure that these geese are not wasted.
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Replacing prey animals specially bred for feeding with geese makes the diet much more sustainable.
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Geese are a nutritionally high-quality component of the diet for many large carnivores.
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Because we can build up stock in our freezers, they are available year-round.
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