Swan goose in exhibit
Scientific Name
Anser cygnoides
Class
Aves
Order
Anseriformes
Range
Southeastern Russia, Mongolia, China, North Korea, and South Korea
Habitat
Steppe wetlands, lakes, and fast-flowing rivers
Estimated Wild Population
More than 90,000
Swan goose in exhibit Endangered Status Graph - Vulnerable Endangered Status Graph - Vulnerable

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Physical Description

Swan geese have a black bill and a chestnut-colored chest. They feed primarily on plants, grazing on dry land for grasses and sedges.

Interesting Fact 1

The swan goose is the largest goose species, reaching up to three feet in length.

Interesting Fact 2

They were named after their long, swan-like neck.

Interesting Fact 3

Their population decline is likely due to hunting and habitat loss.

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Species Survival Plan®

We cooperate with other members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage the zoo population of this species through a Species Survival Plan®.

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Animal Care staff working with seal

Commitment to Care

Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. Guided by scientific research, staff and volunteers work to provide the best welfare outcomes for each individual in the zoo’s care.

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Two Chilean flamingos in exhibit

Animals Depend On People Too

When you ADOPT an animal, you support world-class animal care by helping to provide specially formulated diets, new habitat elements, and regular veterinary checkups.

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Asian small-clawed otter in exhibit

Wish List

The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for the zoo’s animals, including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.

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African penguin eating a fish

Take Action With Us

Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.

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