11/03 ~ Another rescue from the Wild!

PRESS RELEASE

Date: November 3rd, 2009    
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ANOTHER RESCUE FROM THE WILD  

Aldergrove – Two male wild orphan moose arrived at the Greater Vancouver Zoo on September 10 soon after being separated from their moms. The Alaska State Government contacted the zoo to see if we were interested in providing a good home for them and the zoo gladly agreed to do just that!

Upon arrival at the zoo the moose were placed in quarantine for just over a month. During this time they have gained approximately 50 kg (110 lbs) each and now weigh around 160 kg (350 lbs) each. They can now be seen on display in a temporary enclosure next to our North American Wild’s bus station. They will be introduced to our adult female moose when they are large enough.

These male moose were born during the last week of May near Anchorage Alaska and weighed about 15 kg (33 lbs) at birth. The orphans were taken to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) where they were bottle fed. It was determined that they could not be released back to the wild, so a search for a home began.


Alaska and Yukon moose are the largest sub-species of moose in the world, the average male adult weights 635 kg (1,400 lb) and stands over 2.1 m (7 ft) at the shoulder. The life span of moose is 15 – 25 years. Threats to the status of moose populations are primarily human-caused habitat alteration.





Media Contact:                    

Jody Henderson                        
Marketing & Promotions Manager                
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Email:  jhenderson@gvzoo.com