In a daring rescue effort, a member of Wynberg Rotary found themselves navigating a narrow drainpipe under a busy road to save two stranded goslings. Removing all electronic devices and donning a head torch, they crawled through the pipe, dodging crabs and braving the risk of flash floods, to retrieve the frightened birds. The first gosling was quickly secured, but the second proved more elusive, requiring a chase through the darkened tunnel before it was finally coaxed into the light. Back at the surface, the group faced another challenge: persuading the mother goose to cross a school fence to reunite with her offspring. With the help of bird nets and a crowd of onlookers, the goose successfully leapt over the barrier, rejoining her family to cheers.
The rescuer described the experience as both harrowing and rewarding, citing the adrenaline of the situation and the satisfaction of ensuring the goslings’ safety. Despite the risks—crabs, flooding, and the physical strain of the mission—the effort was deemed worthwhile. The story, submitted by Stacey Edwards, highlights the unexpected ways in which community members step in to protect vulnerable wildlife, blending personal courage with a sense of responsibility. The incident has since become a memorable tale shared among club members, underscoring the unpredictable yet impactful moments that define Rotary’s spirit.