Norristown in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Nene
Branta sandvicensis
| | Elmwood Park Zoo | |
Nene are also known as the Hawaiian Goose. They are the official state bird of Hawaii.
Diet: The nene is an herbivore that will either graze or browse, depending on the availability of vegetation. They eat leaves, seeds, fruit, and flowers of grasses and shrubs.
At one time found on most of the Hawaiian islands, the nene is now restricted to Hawaii, Maui, Moloka'i, O'ahu and Kaua'i.
Their breeding season (August through April) is the lonest of any goose. Their eggs are typically laid between November and January.
Quick Fact - The nene is the world's rarest goose.
Conservation Corner
Hunting and natural predators severely reduced populations in the 1950s. In 2004 it was estimated that there were 800 birds in the wild and another 1,000 in zoos and wildfowl collections.
Erected by Elmwood Park Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 2004.
Location. 40° 7.947′ N, 75° 20.29′ W. Marker is in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in Montgomery County. It can be reached from the intersection of Harding Boulevard and Chain Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker stands on the grounds of Elmwood Park Zoo. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown PA 19401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania and in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Peregrine Falcon (here, next to this marker); Chacoan Peccary (within shouting distance of this marker); Bald Eagle (within shouting distance of this marker); Barred Owl (within shouting distance of this marker); Giraffe (within shouting distance of this marker); North American River Otter (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Donald Kimmel (about 300 feet away); American Alligator

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 19, 2022
2. Nene Marker
Note that adjacent to this marker, there is signage for the Greater Rhea. The Greater Rhea marker features no historical context so is not included on the database.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 201 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
