Mother praised as ‘superhero’ after rescuing pet goose from bald eagle while breastfeeding daughter

‘I think any mom would do something bold to save one of her babes’

Chelsea Ritschel
New York
Friday 20 May 2022 17:01 BST
Comments
Breastfeeding mother captured rescuing pet goose from bald eagle
Breastfeeding mother captured rescuing pet goose from bald eagle (TikTok / @frankythegoose)
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A Canadian mother is being praised as a “superhero” for her impressive multitasking after she was captured fighting off a bald eagle who was attacking her pet goose, while simultaneously breastfeeding her baby, by her home’s security camera.

The video showing Cait Oakley, 31, from North Saanich, rescuing the family pet, while topless and holding her four-month-old daughter, was posted to TikTok this week, where it has since been viewed more than 11m times.

In the clip, uploaded by the TikTok account @frankythegoose, it begins with the family’s pet goose Frankie honking loudly at the home’s front door.

The surveillance camera then captured the moment that a bald eagle swooped down from the sky to grab the goose, at which point Oakley could be heard yelling: “Hey, hey!”

As the bald eagle attempted to drag the goose away, Oakley, who was barefoot and wearing just a pair of her husband’s gray boxers, was then captured running after the animal while still breastfeeding her daughter, who was cradled to her chest.

The video concluded with the bald eagle eventually letting go of the goose, and flying away.

On TikTok, Oakley explained in the caption that the family had lost three chickens in the last week, and that she had originally thought they were taken by hawks.

“But watch Frankie (our female goose) get taken. Mama bear mid breastfeeding protecting her sweet Frankie. Officially living at a zoo,” she wrote.

The video, which has since gone viral, has prompted an outpouring of awed responses from viewers, with many praising Oakley as a superhero.

“Not all heroes wear capes… some wear a baby. This was awesome,” one person commented, while another said: “Feeding and protecting! I love it!”

Someone else added: “That was amazing! That’s what you call a Supermom.”

While reflecting on the rescue while speaking to Chek News, Oakley explained while laughing that she was “in the middle of feeding” her daughter, which is why she “didn’t have a shirt on, and was kind of getting ready for the evening”.

“I just ran outside and when Mike [her husband] came out he was like: ‘you’re topless.’ And I’m like yeah, no, I’m very aware. Sorry neighbours,” she added.

While speaking to The Independent, Oakley also addressed the numerous comments praising her as a hero, with the mother of three describing all mothers as heroes.

“I think all mamas are superheroes in their own way, from giving birth to raising our babies - I think any mom would do something bold to save one of her babes,” she said.

As for how she feels about the video of her rescue going viral, she said the reaction “has been absolutely hilarious”.

“The commentary kills me daily and it’s been such a funny story to pick up traction,” she continued.

However, she did note that “living in north Saanich” means “eagles are a large presence here”.

On Instagram, Oakley has since shared that the family has installed netting on their property to keep their chickens and goose safe. “I gotta keep these girls safe,” she said.

She also shared an update with her followers about Frankie’s well-being, with Oakley assuring concerned viewers that the family’s pet goose is doing “A-okay”.

“Thank you everyone who has sent well-wishes to Frankie,” she said. “She’s A-okay.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in