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The swan couple went on to have 68 cygnets over six years. It was then discovered that Henrietta was actually a dude, so he was renamed Henry and his new partner took the name Henrietta.

Overcoming heartbreak

At first, Thomas was pretty pissed that his long-term partner left him for a woman.

A young black female swan arrived at Waimanu Lagoon where the happy couple lived. "So it turned out in fact that Thomas and Henrietta - who was really a Henry - had 18 happy gay years together."

Henrietta was re-named Henry, and the new young swan was given the name Henrietta.

Naturally, Thomas the goose was not too pleased that someone had stolen his mate.

Then soon after, Thomas’ already incredible story took another turn. They always forget that the other refuses to be mounted and they try again every spring.

Due to a damaged wing, she was unable to fly with the other swans and was often alone until a few years later when a white goose named Thomas arrived. As a parent, partner, lover, and caretaker, Thomas set a shining example of how love is love that any human could learn from.

For more avian inspiration, check out the mysterious duck who turned up and cured a grieving dog’s 2-year depression.

Thomas’ lasting legacy

Thomas passed away in February 2018 at an estimated 40 years old, which is around 80 human years.

In an overpopulated world, it would be a good thing if there were more homo-sexuality."

--Goose behavior expert Conrad Loren, November 1974.

[Another mark of the early days: lengthy articles describing studies of animal behavior. Big hugs," another commented.

WBRT

Thomas' memorial on Saturday will see him buried next to Henry the swan.

Many fond memories feeding him his sweet corn every evening," said one user on Facebook.

"Thomas, I remember meeting you and how amazing you were. But after the eggs hatched, Thomas had a change of heart and wanted what was best for his ex and his new partner.

Thomas the uncle

Now an unofficial uncle, Thomas helped look after the babies like they were his own.

"It's very hard to establish the gender of mature black swans," said Michael Peryer, the tour guide at the Waikanae Estuary where the lagoon is located. One thing is the happy couple never had children, which is totally cool. But only some animals seem to be lifelong homosexuals mating for life.

Tributes and tears

Thomas, a well-known figure at the estuary, was often visited by tourists who marvelled at how he would follow Henry and Henrietta around.

When news of his death spread, tributes from visitors from as far as Canada and the Netherlands poured in.

He lived for corn on the cob and if it wasn't there when we put him back into his house at night, he was not happy.

Birdwatcher Mik Peryer, who was familiar with Thomas, told Stuff it was a 30 year love story “that should be celebrated". He added:

Prior to Henrietta turning up they had about 18 happy gay years together.

It is understood there is now talk of plans to bury his body next to his soulmate Henry in the park where they lived for all those years.

But his legacy as a gay partner and loving parent will continue to inspire for years to come.

Thomas: The 90s kid

Thomas’ love story of epic proportions starts back in his youth.

Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in for Thomas from around the world.

Rest in peace Thomas, you will be missed.

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However, his stint as a father was short-lived, as he had his babies stolen by another goose who raised the babies himself. The year was 1990s.