Fox Valley Wildlife Center: Wild goose recovering after attack in Batavia

A goose is recovering at a wildlife hospital after Fox Valley Wildlife Center representatives say it was abused by a group of kids on Batavia High School property.

Robert Schuman, assistant director of animal care at the Fox Valley Wildlife Center in Elburn, said an intern reported witnessing the goose being kicked and attacked Friday during the Bulldog Boosters Corn Boil fundraiser at the high school.

She intervened and moved the goose away from the kids, who seemed younger than high school age, he said. After checking on the goose again shortly after, the intern brought it into the center.

The goose suffered neurological damage and trauma to its wings and body, as well as a neck injury, Schuman said. It has since been transferred to Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn, he said, which has a vet on staff and a better facility for handling such injuries.

Batavia Unit District 101 officials were made aware of the situation Sunday and are working with the Fox Valley Wildlife Center, said Sue Gillerlain, the district's communications manager. They have also been in contact with the Willowbrook Wildlife Center.

"We were told that the goose is doing well (Sunday) and is expected to make a full recovery," she said.

In a comment on its Facebook page, the Fox Valley Wildlife Center said staff contacted Illinois Department of Natural Resources conservation police, who are also investigating.

All parties are trying to identify the people responsible, obtain more information from the intern involved and "make sure a repeat of this doesn't happen," Schuman said.

Anyone who finds an injured animal or witnesses an animal being abused can contact the Fox Valley Wildlife Center at (630) 365-3800.

"We're here to help out and take in animals with these kinds of injures and treat them," Schuman said. "We can consult people on what the best course of action is."