Firefighters rescue goose from tree in Kensington Gardens

By Rebecca Spencer

Firefighters are ‘feeling festive’ after rescuing a goose who got into a spot of bother up a tree in Kensington Gardens at the weekend.

The bird, who has been named Marv after one half of the evil duo in Home Alone, had injured its leg and got stuck around 10 metres up the tree.

Firefighters from the Kensington Fire Station and a fire rescue unit from Paddington Fire Station arrived at the scene around 10.30am and the rescue was over my mid-day.

Fire crews used a ladder and rope rescue equipment to bring the goose to ground level where they then bandaged its leg and handed Marv over to the RSPCA.

Sub Officer Gavin Kitto, who was at the scene, said: “There’s nothing more Christmassy than a goose rescue and we were pleased we were able to get the bird down without causing too much trauma.

“The poor goose had broken its leg and was stuck up the tree, but we bandaged its leg and it was happily pecking away at one of the firefighter’s visors when we handed it over so it seemed like it would be ok.

“We named it Marv after one of the bad guys in Home Alone – it had to have a festive name.

“It was very timely as the crews on the shout were doing some early prep for their Christmas dinner when the call came in.

“We would always encourage people to call the RSPCA in the first instance if they see an animal stuck or in distress.

“Firefighters love animals too and we are always happy to assist if our specialist equipment is required, as it was in this case.”