Het Kralingse Bos, located in Rotterdam, is a well known forest and recreational area of approximately 200 acres. It consists of a large lake - the Kralingse Plas - and surrounding green forest. In 2007 it was named the best public area in the Netherlands and won the Municipal Valuation Interior. This recreational area attracts over three million visitors annually. But the area is not only attractive for humans, it is also very attractive for animals, as an important place of residence. It also acts as an important place of residence to many animals.
The growing population of geese presently causes a lot of inconvenience. The lawns are full of goose droppings and and the geese have been known to act aggressively toward pedestrians (that's how their behaviour is interpreted by people). The council has begun research into to find solutions for this problem. A so-called egg-shaking method is used at the moment, but this is not enough. Drastic measures are being discussed and even the possibility of shooting is was investigated. Irritation amongst visitors is growing which will contribute to animal unfriendly situations, for example like throwing rocks at the animals.
An appropriate solution is necessary to keep the balance between humans and geese. 
Animals and humans live in the same habitat, especially in an urban environment. Therefore, restoring the synergy between these two groups is very important. Geese which are separated experience intense sorrow. These animals are monogamous and remain loyal to their partner throughout their live, that can last up to 40 years. If the leader of a group is killed, there's a lot of commotion among the abandoned animals. It would be a nightmare disaster if the wild geese were hunted randomly. Family relationships and friendships between geese are just as strong as between people. The random killing of geese - or relocating them - pulls families apart and ensures long-term mourning partners. This causes much more unnecessary suffering.
In addition, removing groups of geese is no long term solution, because the empty sites will be quickly populated by new groups of geese. This has been researched and proven by the biologist Richard Tabor, who endorses the method TNR (Trap, Neuter and Return). If an animal population is evicted, it creates a vacuum which will soon be filled with new species. If the geese are shot, there will be a void, which will soon be filled with new, even more fertile, geese. That way the problem starts all over again.
At the moment ALF is examining the potential for effective conservation and control of the geese population in Het Kralingse Bos, in association with a consultancy agency, thereby taking into account the interests of all stakeholders on every level. We will write a research report and recommendation, that we will discuss with the Council of Rotterdam, to see what next steps they can take towards a long term, animal- and environmental friendly solution.
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