VIDEO: Rare goslings welcomed into the world in Arundel
TWO of the rarest birds in the world have hatched three fluffy goslings in Arundel.
Two separate pairs of Hawaiian geese, or Nenes, welcomed their young into the world at the Arundel Wetland Centre.
One set of parents has one gosling, while the other has two.
All of the little birds have been moved with their parents to a specially designed outdoor duckery facility where they are safe from predators and other birds.
Arundel Wetland Centre conservation manager Paul Stevens said: "We are over the moon that they have produced a healthy batch of goslings.
"Nenes are an absolute favourite with the visitors as they are so friendly and the goslings are no different. A real treat to see. They are also a successful conservation story and a fantastic message for youngsters that visit the centre about the work that we do."
The goslings are the first threatened species at Arundel Wetland Centre to hatch this year, but there is also an abundance of mallard and other ducklings waddling around for visitors to see.
Nenes are thought to be the rarest goose in the world with only 800 in the wild. In 1952, only 30 of the geese remained because of predators such as mongooses and cats. Arundel Wetland Centre is home to 14 captive Nenes.
To watch a video of the fluffy goslings with their parents click on the green play button.
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Weather for Bognor
Thursday 09 February 2012
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