Goose, the escaped water monitor lizard, was successfully captured after two weeks of roaming through Massachusetts and Connecticut, as confirmed by the Webster Police Department. Following his capture, Goose will be relocated to a nonprofit animal sanctuary, where he will receive expert care.
The journey of Goose began when he crawled out of a second-floor window in his owner’s home in Webster, Massachusetts, on July 18. The five-foot-long lizard was first sighted on July 25 in Thompson, Connecticut, prompting police warnings that he was being kept illegally as a pet and should not be approached. Authorities collaborated with reptile specialists from Rainforest Reptile Shows to locate him.
His last sighting occurred on July 30 in Douglas, Massachusetts, which is approximately 13 miles north of Thompson and eight miles east of Webster. Rainforest Reptile Shows expressed gratitude to the Massachusetts Environmental Police, Webster Police Department, and Douglas Police Department for their teamwork in ensuring Goose’s safe capture.
Once relocated to RRS Oasis, the sanctuary will provide Goose with a specially designed habitat, enabling him to thrive in a safe environment. The organization plans to share updates about Goose’s progress on their Facebook page.
This story serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the role of local authorities and specialist organizations in maintaining wildlife safety. It highlights a collaborative effort that ended positively for Goose, paving the way for a better quality of life ahead.