❤️ Update

With broken hearts, we share that Princess Collette passed away following surgery. Although the surgery itself was successful, she suffered a heart attack shortly afterward. Her veterinary team believes one of the BB pellets may have caused damage to her heart that could not have been detected beforehand.

We are forever grateful to the veterinarians and wildlife specialists who gave her every possible chance. Thank you to everyone who donated, prayed, shared her story, and loved her.

Very few wild animals are fortunate enough to leave that kind of legacy. Collette did.

She taught children to notice wildlife. She brought neighbors together. She made people laugh through my, "Fowl Relationships on Oswego Lake", stories. She showed resilience after living for years with one good wing. And in the end, she inspired hundreds of strangers to open their hearts and wallets for an animal they had never met..

That's extraordinary.

I also want to say this because I think it's important.

Please don't measure this story by whether Collette survived.

Measure it by what love surrounded her in her final days.

She didn't die alone on the lake.

She died knowing she was safe, cared for, warm, and surrounded by people who fought for her until the very end. Most wild animals never receive that gift.

You gave her that gift.

I have a feeling this won't be the last chapter of her story.

Your donations will first be used to pay Princess Collette's veterinary expenses. Once all expenses have been paid, we will provide a complete accounting. Any remaining funds will be donated to licensed wildlife rehabilitation organizations in Princess Collette's memory. Donors who prefer a refund may request one through GoFundMe.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Neighbors and Friends of Princess Collette