Blind Moose Calf Cedar Needs a Home: A Unique Wildlife Rescue Challenge

Cedar, a blind moose calf with a leg injury, cannot be released back into the wild due to his limited vision and vulnerability to predators. The wildlife rescue center Holly's Haven in Ottawa is exploring options for Cedar's long-term care while adapting to his specific needs.

At Holly’s Haven, a wildlife rehabilitation center nestled in the outskirts of Ottawa, the latest resident is not just any animal; it’s Cedar, a blind moose calf struggling with a leg injury. While the center typically focuses on rehabilitation and eventual release into the wild, Cedar’s unique condition presents a significant challenge for the facility’s founder, Lynne Rowe.

Cedar, only a month and a half old, arrived at the center, where he quickly captured the attention of staff and visitors alike. His ongoing care requires Rowe to swiftly adapt and learn about the complexities involved in raising a young moose. Cedar’s chances of recovery suggest he may regain only limited vision in one eye, rendering him unfit for the wild.

As a wild animal, Cedar poses a substantial risk should he ever attempt to live freely again. Experts including veterinarians and moose rehabilitators emphasize that his inability to see compromises his survival chances substantially. In the wild, young moose like Cedar are easy prey for predators, particularly coyotes and wolves, who would find him an easy target.

Holly’s Haven, named after a resident raccoon with similar rehabilitative challenges, faces a pivotal decision regarding Cedar’s future. While his current weight stands at around 30 kilograms (over 65 pounds), it's anticipated he could grow to an imposing adult size of up to 700 kilograms (1,500 pounds). This circumstance adds to the dilemma, as his care will require considerable resources and space as he matures.

The wildlife center is rallying to explore potential long-term solutions for Cedar. Ensuring his welfare and well-being remains a priority, even as the team contemplates what life ahead will look like for this extraordinary young moose. Cedar’s story highlights the complex interactions between wildlife rehabilitation efforts and the challenges presented by injuries and disabilities in young animals.