The family unit

Goslings have an excellent chance of survival.



The parents mate for life, and raise them in tandem. When Dad eats, Mom keeps watch. When Mom eats, it's Dad's turn. For the first year, it's like a goose-mafia -- all about the family.



At The Huntington, we lose about 50-75% of the ducklings, as duck-parenting is a casual affair. Mom has her eye on a handsome mallard, while Dad goes surfing. But most goslings thrive, reach maturity, and return year after year.



Though we humans may think geese lack something in potty deportment, their kids learn at a very early age to mind their manners, walk the line.



And never, ever sass Mom.