Meet Gansbaai’s First Family: The Strand Street Geese!

Photo Credit: Wihan van der Walt

In Gansbaai, we have our very own First Family - and no, they don’t live in a mansion or run a country. 

These celebrities waddle their way into our hearts daily! The gaggle of geese that call Gansbaai’s “koppie” home are as much a part of the town as the iconic trawlers in the harbour. 

Loved by locals and a hit with holidaymakers, this feathered family has become a true community treasure. 

To help answer some questions about these famous residents, we turned to “Mother Goose” herself for the inside scoop. Mother Goose feels honoured to have been appointed by the geese as one of their human guardians, and she takes her role in their lives very seriously.

Q&A Between Xplorio and Mother Goose

Xplorio: What species of geese live in Gansbaai?
Mother Goose: Embden. They are a domestic breed from Germany. 

Xplorio: Who do the geese belong to? 
Mother Goose: The question should be “Which humans belong to the geese?” Regardless, they have made Gansbaai’s Strand Street their home.

Xplorio: What is the lifespan of a goose?
Mother Goose: 20 years or more.

Xplorio: How many geese are there? 
Mother Goose: Right now there are 40 - 20 adults and 20 goslings ...and counting. 

Xplorio: How many eggs does a goose lay at a time and how long does she sit on them? 
Mother Goose: Embden geese typically lay between 20 to 30 eggs per season, though in each clutch (one nesting period), they generally lay about 8 to 10 eggs. They sit on their eggs for around 28 to 35 days, with the average incubation period being about 30 days.

Xplorio: What does a goose eat? 
Mother Goose: They graze on grass, weeds, and various leafy plants, making them great for trimming grassy areas. Geese also enjoy grains like wheat, oats, and split corn.

Xplorio: Can people feed the geese?
Mother Goose: Please don’t feed them. The geese are well-fed with foods needed to live healthy lives. ‘Treats’ like sunflower seeds in the shell, bread, and chips, are like poison for them. Eating them often ends in a visit to the vet - or worse.

Xplorio: Will they bite me if I try touching them?
Mother Goose: Unfortunately, yes. They can be quite moody. A bit like me when I haven’t had my morning coffee. First, they give you a warning hiss, then… you had better run away as fast as you can. Especially, if they have their goslings with them!

Xplorio: What must I do if they are blocking the road?
Mother Goose: Give them the right of way and move around them slowly. If you are in a car, take extra care not to frighten them.

Xplorio: Who pays the vet when the geese get sick? 
Mother Goose: A few concerned geese lovers in the community, including me, dip into our savings to foot the bills.

Xplorio: How can people help Gansbaai’s geese? 
Mother Goose: If people want to help with donations towards healthy food and vet bills, please call me. We always welcome more guardians.

Xplorio: And now the big question! Have you ever found a golden egg? 
Mother Goose: Not yet, but I am still searching…

Xplorio: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, Mother Goose!
Mother Goose: It’s a pleasure! I am always available to chat about the geese.

Contact Details - Mother Goose

If you have questions about the First Family or want to become a guardian to help Mother Goose with food and vet bills, give her a honk at 071 305 7715.