A goose named Gretel has died of a broken heart after the loss of her ‘soulmate’, Hansel, who became stuck in a frozen lake.
Gretel passed away after reportedly suffering from depression on Monday, less than a week after her partner Hansel died in the icy water.
Following reports of birds being stuck in the water, volunteers from Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue were called to a boating lake in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, on December 13.
Six-year-old Gretel was thankfully rescued from the lake but was in a critical condition as parts of her lower body remained frozen.
However, Hansel sadly died by the time volunteers reached him.
Gretel was set to fully recover, volunteers said, but six days after her partner’s death, she passed away.
A spokesperson from Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue said: "It's with extremely heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Gretel who passed away in comfort at the rescue this morning.
"Sadly the loss of her partner was too much for her and despite everyone's best efforts, we had noted she was getting more and more depressed without him.
"We always knew this was a possibility with them being such bonded birds but as with all rescues, we always hope and aim for the best result.
"Rest in peace, fly high and you're back reunited with Hansel."
Flocks of people have paid tribute to the “magnificent couple”, describing the news as “desperately sad”.
Christine Hyde, a regular at the boating lake, said: "Oh no, this is such desperately sad news. I feel immensely privileged to have been able to view and feed this magnificent couple up close on many occasions.
"RIP Hansel and Gretel."
Jane Lesley Jackson said: "This story has been awfully tragic. There was so much worry about what the future held for poor Gretel - sadly now more heartbreak.
"Poor, poor birds, they clearly needed each other."
Sylvia Anderson said: "You could have not done more for them. She passed away in comfort, though sad.
"She will now be reunited with her soulmate and both will be happy again."
