It was the worst possible start to life for a baby moose in northern Ontario.
As a pregnant moose tried to cross a busy highway in Sioux Lookout on May 17, she was struck and killed. Her calf was horrifically projected through her abdomen, according to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Ontario’s Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry was called to the scene where “they quickly gathered the baby up and begin caring for her.” That was until the female calf could make the 17-hour drive south to the sanctuary in Muskoka.
“Being born premature and a very traumatic birth she did have some injuries and complications,” the facility said Tuesday.
But she made tremendous progress, thanks in large measure to government officials taking good care of the orphan moose right after birth.
She was given bovine colostrum to get her off to a good start. She’s also being bottle fed due to her young age.
“She’s now been with us for a few days and doing well, even taking the time to play in her water bowl,” the sanctuary explained.
Eventually, officials hope to return the moose to the wild. But it won’t be anytime soon.
Hopefully, next year, the sanctuary posted on Facebook where people are thanking everyone involved for saving the animal’s life.
