Two orphaned magpie geese have been released into Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat after  independent wildlife carer Brydie Lee worked with the Tropical Animal Rehabilitation Centre at the sanctuary to raise the young birds.

The pair were taken in as orphans after their family was hit by a car a few months ago. 

Ms Lee raised the geese until their recent release into the Wildlife Habitat’s Savannah Enclosure.

This enclosure is open for wild magpie geese to come and go as they please, meaning that once these two are able to fly they will integrate themselves back into a wild flock.

“They are very intelligent and very affectionate birds, but this makes it impossible to directly release them into the wild,” Ms Lee said.

“Magpie geese in particular imprint very easily onto humans when raised from young.” 

This “soft release” keeps orphaned geese away from dangers such as cars, dogs and other people while they are still friendly to humans. 

This also means they can decide when they want to become wild.

Ms Lee has worked as a registered animal carer for 30 years, 17 of which have been spent here in Douglas Shire, making her one of the few licensed carers in the region.

When injured or orphaned magpie geese are dropped into the Wildlife Habitat she will come collect them and raise them to the point of release.

Drivers in our region pose a large threat to the geese, who often have a distinct territory or crossing point. 

Ms Lee said the deaths caused by cars can be in the dozens every wet season while they are breeding and raising their young.

“They are slow moving, and cannot take off into flight in a hurry,” she said. 

“If they have young, they will not leave them, instead they will stand their ground to protect them.

“Give them some space and they will cross the road and head along their way safely.”

Ms Lee said her and other wildlife carers would love to see more signage on display near common crossing areas and areas with a high population of magpie geese.

“Bigger, brighter and more descriptive signage would be a great way to raise awareness and bring attention to these birds.”