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After Years of Abuse, Ten Orange County Geese Find Permanent Refuge at Farm Sanctuary's Northern California Shelter

Orland, CA - May 4, 2005 - Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal shelter and advocacy organization, has received ten domestic geese that will spend the rest of their days in peace after years of abuse. These geese became famous after an infamous string of attacks at a Costa Mesa, CA park that left several geese dead and injured. Ozzie, Gabby, Mr. & Mrs. Peepers, Romeo, Tom & Jeri, Camille, Shirley and Sweet Pea are now happy residents of Farm Sanctuary's 300-acre Northern California Shelter.

"We couldn't be happier to take in these ten beautiful geese. We're inspired to witness the camaraderie of these survivors," said Susie Coston, Farm Sanctuary Shelter Director. "After what they've been through, they deserve a life of peace in shelter."

The Orange County geese first made headlines in 1997 after a shooting incident at Costa Mesa's TeWinkle Park that left four ducks and one goose dead and two other geese wounded. One goose had been shot 22 times with a pellet gun. Violent attacks continued through 2001, resulting in several more deaths and injuries until Michelle Berger, a compassionate caregiver who had visited the geese twice daily for feedings, arranged for temporary shelter at a local wildlife refuge center. After a recent offshore oil spill created an emergency, leaving hundreds of wild birds in need of care, the ten domestic geese were in need of a permanent residence.

In a letter to Farm Sanctuary, Berger wrote, "If I could accomplish just one thing, I would want to give my geese friends a safe and happy place to call home so that they would no longer have to endure the cruel ways of some people….I have personally been to Farm Sanctuary in Orland and I have seen first hand what a wonderful place it is."

Ms. Berger also sponsors two formerly abused geese, who reside at Farm Sanctuary, through the Adopt-a-Farm Animal Project.

"Michelle Berger shows us all that with compassion and persistence, one can save many," added Coston.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.