AUSTIN, Texas — A goose has returned to Austin waters after getting shot with an arrow earlier this month.
According to the Austin Animal Center (AAC), “Steven” the goose was set free safely on Monday at Mueller Lake Park.
A video posted to social media showed Steven getting released from a carrier before slowly entering the water.
“After capturing the hearts of Austin, Steven– the poor goose who was shot with an arrow at Mueller Lake Park– will make a full recovery,” the post said in part.
The bird was seen earlier this month swimming in the lake with an arrow in its chest. After receiving several calls, the AAC said its Animal Protection officers were able to capture the animal on Jan. 5. “Steven” was then taken to the Austin Wildlife Rescue, where the arrow was successfully removed.
“Steven” appears to be an Egyptian goose, which originated in Africa but was eventually introduced to the southern part of the U.S., including states such as Texas, Florida and Oklahoma.
The AAC said “Steven” will migrate out of Texas this spring, as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) investigates the incident.