Cimcime the goose draws attention online in North Cyprus

Footage of Tümer Debreli walking with his goose, Cimcime, on a busy street in Lefkoşa has drawn attention on social media, Yeniduzen reported.

Debreli told the Turkish Cypriot News Agency (TAK) that the one-year-old goose joins him in much of his day-to-day life, including swimming, drives and walks by the sea.

He said his connection with animals dates to his childhood, when his family kept a range of animals including sheep, chickens, rabbits, geese, pigeons, goats, cattle and ostriches.

According to Debreli, an earlier goose also called Cimcime became an important companion during a difficult period in his life. He said the bird later disappeared overnight from an enclosed area, and that he does not know what happened to it or whether it was stolen.

He later adopted a day-old gosling he found online and gave it the same name. Debreli said the current Cimcime responds when called and wakes him at about 6am by walking on him and pulling at his blanket. He also said the goose has attracted the interest of tourists.

Debreli said he began paragliding around five or six years ago and has flown with Cimcime, adding that he takes precautions for the bird’s safety.

Yeniduzen reported that Debreli is known for his former military service, more than two decades of marathon running, and involvement in paragliding and other adrenaline sports. He told TAK that he hopes one day to travel abroad with a passport, a tent and Cimcime.