A wildlife refuges like Slimbridge, some Nene goslings are raised by the parent geese while others are hand reared and only returned to the wild once they have formed bonded pairs. It's was an unusual opportunity to get up close and personal with these inquisitive little creatures. Numbers are carefully calculated in attempts to maintain stable populations. I am certain that there are those who are critical of some of these practices; however, humans, through ignorance and gluttony, have destroyed entire populations of animals. Places like the WWT serve as genetic repositories for large numbers of species, in addition to being a source of enjoyment for those who might not otherwise ever get to experience these creatures. These genetic pools can be used in attempts to reintroduce endangered or locally extinct animals. It has been done, and the Nene is probably one of the first great examples of that practice. It's not a passive process and requires careful planning and a very dedicated staff. It's more than just a love of fuzz! It's about respect for life and the impact that humanity has on the rest of the animal kingdom. #NeneGoslings

A young Nene gosling sleeps peacefully, cradled in the downy softness of her mother's wing. She gazes adoringly at her precious, tender gosling, occasionally nuzzling her bill in closely and closing her weary eyes. She is an outstanding mother, watching patiently and carefully over her two young babies. She never lets them stray too far, and she and dad never let anything get between them and their precious balls of fuzzy down.

Nene were once plentiful on several of the Hawaiian Islands. By 1952 only 30 geese remained, after habitat loss and importation of invasive species brought devastation to the native population of these hearty birds. It seemed that all would be lost. Intensive conservation efforts, both in Hawaii and from organizations like Slimbridge Wetlands in the UK, have led to recovery of the State bird of Hawaii. The scientific study and recuperative efforts have since formed the basis for species salvation and genetic pool maintenance of other species, worldwide. I am grateful for my brief time at Slimbridge and for the assistance of a wonderfully talented and dedicated staff. I look forward to returning again. #Nene #NeneGoslings #SlimbridgeWetlands #WWT #WildfowlandWetlandsTrust

The concept of innate knowledge is not novel to the Nene. It seems to be much more common amongst avian species but it isn't simply something associated with our feathered friends. At Slimbridge, some nene goslings are incubated, hatched, brooded and reared by their parent geese. Like the one in this photo, is spends its waking hours scouring the surroundings, grazing and browsing on local flora. It seems to know exactly which plants to choose and which to avoid. The obvious thought would be that mom and dad have taught it just what to pick and what to leave behind.

On the other hand Slimbrige staff also incubate, hatch, brood and raise a number of nene goslings separately. It's necessary in order to maintain populations on the refuge, as many naturally reared goslings are lost to local predators. Aside from the daily practice of yoga, which this gosling seems to be engaged in, these goslings demonstrate the same selectivity when grazing and browsing as their naturally reared brothers and sisters. This would suggest some form of innate knowledge since these goslings have no contact with parent geese, until they have paired up and are released back into the wild. The opportunity for further research boggles my mind. There is just so much that we don't understand. #NeneGoslings #Slimbridge

Every moment I spent with wildlife brings me closer to the reality that emotion and sentiment are as natural as a beating heart. There are basic natural instincts born within each and every one of us. Our lifetime experiences change them and how we perceive them. Our tendency is to think that forms of life other than ours could’t possibly experience emotion at the same level as we do. My experience tells me otherwise. The mum and dad Nene to this brood are inexorably dedicated to their two goslings. They are never more than a few feet away. They stand between the goslings and anything they perceive as danger. They are the best of parents. This gosling finds that it isn’t simply enough to hide under mum’s wing. He must press his face up against her so that he can hear her tender heart. The things we don’t feel still exist. The things we do sometimes have terrible consequences. Love is as natural as a tender beating heart. ‪#‎Nene‬

The concept of innate knowledge is not novel to the Nene. It seems to be much more common amongst avian species but it isn't simply something associated with our feathered friends. At Slimbridge, some nene goslings are incubated, hatched, brooded and reared by their parent geese. Like the one in this photo, is spends its waking hours scouring the surroundings, grazing and browsing on local flora. It seems to know exactly which plants to choose and which to avoid. The obvious thought would be that mom and dad have taught it just what to pick and what to leave behind.

On the other hand Slimbrige staff also incubate, hatch, brood and raise a number of nene goslings separately, by hand. It's necessary in order to maintain populations on the refuge, as many naturally reared goslings are lost to local predators. Aside from the daily practice of yoga, which this gosling seems to be engaged in, these goslings demonstrate the same selectivity when grazing and browsing as their naturally reared brothers and sisters. This would suggest some form of innate knowledge since these goslings have no contact with parent geese, until they have paired up and are released back into the wild. The opportunity for further research boggles my mind. There is just so much that we don't understand. #NeneGoslings #Slimbridge

Taken at Llanelli WWT