Queenie and Hiawatha

When I was at the Think Regina event in Edmonton a couple weeks ago they had a Tourism Regina display simulating Wascana Park. Wascana Park is one of my favourite things about this city. Did you know it is the largest urban park in North America, larger even than Central Park in New York? And the University of Regina has the priveledge of being right next to it!

The Tourism Regina booth had a story about two Canadian geese written by Ralph Stueck, a Saskatchewan farmer and naturalist. I would like to retell that story.

There was a female goose in Abernathy, Saskatchewan named Queenie. One summer a flock of geese flying North landed in Abernathy and Queenie found a mate from this flock, Hiawatha. Hiawatha and Queenie became mates for life and produced families every year. They were moved to Regina to the waterfowl conservatory in Wascana Park and continued to live happily together with their families. Unfortunately, Hiawatha was badly injured one night, probably by some kids playing a stupid prank and throwing stones at him. His wing was broken and he was taken to an animal hospital. Queenie was brought along to keep him company. Well things didn't fare too well for poor Hiawatha and he died in the hospital. A couple of days later Queenie died as well. An autopsy was done and they could not find a cause of death - she died of a broken heart.

The waterfowl conservatory is still open and you can find many of Queenie and Hiawatha's relations in Wascana Park. And this time of year is the perfect time to walk around the lake and visit the geese in the park.