A goose has died of a broken heart following the loss of her ‘soulmate’ who passed away after becoming stuck in a frozen lake.
Gretel the goose passed away after suffering from depression on December 19, six days after her partner Hansel died after being stuck in icy water.
Volunteers from Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue were called to a boating lake in Cleethorpes, Lincs,. on December 13 following reports of birds being stuck in the water.
Gretel, who is believed to be six years old, was thankfully rescued from the lake but was in a critical condition as parts of her lower body was still frozen.
However, Hansel required a deep water rescue in the icy conditions and he had sadly passed away by the time volunteers reached him.
Volunteers believed that Gretel would recover, but almost a week after her ‘soulmate’s’ death, she passed away.
A spokesperson from the rescue team said: “It’s with extremely heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Gretel who passed away in comfort at the rescue this morning.
“Sadly the loss of her partner was too much for her and despite everyone’s best efforts, we had noted she was getting more and more depressed without him.
“We always knew this was a possibility with them being such bonded birds but as with all rescues, we always hope and aim for the best result.
“We know they was such loved birds at the boating lake and it’s been a difficult for all of us here too.
“Our condolences to everyone who will be feeling this loss.
“Rest in peace, fly high and you’re back reunited with Hansel.”
Hundreds of people have paid tribute to the ‘magnificent couple’, describing the news as ‘desperately sad.’
Christine Hyde said: “Oh no, this is such desperately sad news.
“I feel immensely privileged to have been able to view and feed this magnificent couple up close on many occasions.
“RIP Hansel and Gretel.”
Jane Lesley Jackson said: “This story has been awfully tragic.
“There was so much worry about what the future held for poor Gretel – sadly now more heartbreak.
“Poor, poor birds, they clearly needed each other.”
Sylvia Anderson said: “You could have not done more for them.
“She passed away in comfort, though sad.
“She will now be reunited with her soulmate and both will be happy again.”
