Beloved Mtn. Goat killed

Staff at the BC Wildlife Park near Kamloops are in mourning following the death of Gustav, a mountain goat that was struck by lightning Tuesday.

“It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share the devastating news that our beloved Gustav was struck and killed by lightning during the storm. This tragedy has left the entire BC Wildlife Park team in shock and disbelief,” said a post on the park's Facebook page.

Gustav was found wandering the area alone by owners of the Wing Creek Resort in Kaslo, on May 21, 2018.

He was very young when he arrived at the BC Wildlife Park’s rehabilitation centre and required bottle feeding every two hours.

“The BC Wildlife Park’s animal care team worked tirelessly to care for Gustav – ensuring he was fed, well cared for, and eventually ensuring he was safe as he adjusted to his new environment with his friend and nanny sheep, Dave,” said the post.

“Everyone fell in love with Gus the moment they met him. Although Gustav had a difficult start in life, he was feisty - full of energy and life, and he particularly enjoyed making extra work for his keepers by constantly butting over his water dish."

Earlier this summer, Gus was finally large enough to be moved into the mountain goat habitat with the park’s two other mountain goats, Cloud and Gerrard.

Gus loved climbing and exploring his new mountain enclosure and the BC Wildlife Park team loved watching him transition from a newborn to a young mountain goat.

“The BC Wildlife Park is grateful to have had the opportunity to give Gustav a second chance at life, and he will be forever missed.”