'Allo, 'Allo! Eet eez nice to meet you!
Meet the latest arrivals at WWT Washington – two handsome male Toulouse geese.
Originating near Toulouse, in France, these domestic geese are well known for their ponderous appearance and the large dewlaps hanging from their necks.
The breed has been recorded as far back as 1555 and was first brought to Britain in 1840 by Lord Derby, who used the French variety as breeding stock. This eventually produced the large birds seen today, which can way up to 9kg.
Marketing manager Leanne McCormella said: “I absolutely love these new geese! They are so full of character with their voluptuous dewlaps and funny, galleon-like shape. They often look deep in thought and are incredibly placid and laid back, because the species is so domesticated.
“They love water and bathing and are not great wanderers, preferring to stay close to where they live, which makes them ideal for gardens and orchards. We’ve put them in our farmyard area, alongside other domestic species such as Indian runner ducks and our cheeky embden geese, George and Percy.”
