Outrage After Baby Geese Forced from Kelowna Balcony by Men With Pool Noodles

A disturbing incident in Kelowna, B.C., involving baby geese has sparked widespread outrage after it was captured on video and shared online.

The incident took place Wednesday morning at the Madison building at Ellis Street and Doyle Avenue. Witnesses say seven goslings were forced from a fourth-floor balcony after a group of men appeared to corral them toward the edge, with one individual using a pool noodle.

“It was just horrific to see, really,” said Tyler Andreasen, who witnessed the incident. “I couldn’t believe my eyes.”

Others in the area were equally shaken. Kate Morgan, who owns a nearby business, described the scene as devastating, saying she couldn’t understand how anyone could treat animals that way.

According to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, five of the goslings were unharmed and later relocated to Okanagan Lake with two adult geese. However, two others were injured and taken to the Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Summerland, where they are currently being treated.

RCMP confirmed officers attended the scene and said they provided education to one of the individuals involved, identified as a building employee. That response has drawn criticism from witnesses and community members who believe stronger consequences are warranted.

Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, which makes it illegal to harm, harass, or disturb the birds, their nests, or their eggs without a federal permit. Environment and Climate Change Canada says it is aware of the incident but has not confirmed whether an investigation or enforcement action is underway.

Adding to the controversy, a letter from the building’s management company claimed the goslings were “assisted onto the ledge from where they jumped down to their parents,” though it acknowledged the employee should not have intervened.

Wildlife rehabilitation officials say the first 48 hours are critical for the injured goslings, but early signs suggest they are recovering.

For many who witnessed the event, the hope now is that it leads to accountability and greater awareness around the protection of wildlife.