It is with a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our beloved blind goose Thomas. 
Thomas, in his almost 40 years of life, made an impact on many people and their lives. While we have cared for, loved and cherished him in recent years, Thomas originally befriended and made a name for himself with the lovely residents of the Waimanu Lagoon in Waikanae who watched over him for more than 25 + years 
Thomas became a favourite after segregating himself from the other ge…ese in the area and instead choosing a black swan named Henry as his life-long mate. Even when Henry found a swan mate (Henrietta) this didn't stop Thomas from staying true and loyal and even playing "uncle" to their cygnets when hatched!
Thomas came into the care of WBRT in 2013 to 'retire' after having a series of health issues and becoming blind in one eye and eventually becoming blind in both eyes.
We have loved having Thomas as a part of the WBRT Family and have treated him with extra special love and care! He lived for corn on the cob and if it wasn't there when we put him back into his house at night, he was not happy! As well as making other blind bird friends to spend his days with Thomas helped foster a couple of broods of cygnets along the way (for nostalgic reasons and boy, did he do a good job!). He even became so famous at one point, he used an alias of "Timothy" in a news report 
Thank you Thomas for proving that there is life even after sight. You were a true inspiration for the work we do and the things we are able to achieve for the animals in our care.
Thank you to all those people who loved, cared for and were a part of Thomas’s life. He was such a special boy and a wonderful character.
Thomas, our good friend, we miss you wholeheartedly but may you rest in peace.
