The Isolation of Felicity

Felicity, a goose raised in isolation right after hatching, exhibited profound behavioral issues due to lack of interaction with other geese or humans. Her only source of stimulation was a machine that fed her regularly, leading to a peculiar behavior where she would run toward a sound associated with the thermostat but then retreat, showcasing a mix of fear and confusion. This isolation left her struggling to integrate when she was finally introduced to a flock, demonstrating classic symptoms of attachment disruption. Her hesitancy to approach other geese and tendency to stay on the periphery highlighted the critical role of early social interactions in healthy relational development.