Sandal and Cedar are two moose calves who are now under the care of staff at the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
According to Alison Papas, Director, Advancement and Communications at Aspen Valley both Sandal and Cedar came to them from up north and had a layover in Sudbury before arriving in Rosseau.
Cedar was in great shape upon arrival, but Sandal was not. He had run into a fence in someone’s yard, the fence came down, and he was found in a “pancake” position spread on all fours. His mother was unable to help him up. After a few days, she left.
Papas says both calves have very distinct personalities. Sandal is the vocal one, while Cedar is full of energy and loves running around and head butting.
She says both moose are doing well now. Sanctuary staff have been feeding them a species-specific formula from a baby bottle, and a combination of buds and young shoots on twigs and branches.
The plan, according to Papas, is to release Sandal and Cedar back to the wild in one year. Therefore, they must limit human interaction. So, a maximum of two people are allowed to interact with them.
The Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary has two programs; the rescue, rehabilitate, and release program and permanent wildlife residents.
According to Papas, each year the rehabilitation program helps about 1000 animals that are brought to them. So far this year there have been 400.
Papas says they do tours where visitors can visit the permanent wildlife residents. Among those animals there is another moose, named Ella.
Ella is an exception because she was not born in captivity. Prior to being transferred to the Rosseau sanctuary, she was under the care of another rehabilitation center. While she was there, she broke her leg and was then transferred to Aspen Valley.
Now, according to Papas, Aspen Valley is the only place in Ontario that takes moose into their care.
Paps says, if you find an animal who you believe needs help or have been orphaned, first it is important to verify that fact, as sometimes wild animals end up being accidently kidnapped.
If you do come across an animal in need, Papas encourages you to call their animal care line at (705) 644 – 4122.
Because of all the animals in their care, especially in the Spring and Summer where there’s more animal movement and more animals being born, donations are vital so they can continue to provide them with the proper care.
If you would like to support, schedule a tour or learn more, visit Keep Wildlife Wild | Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
For more photos and videos of the animals, follow them on Instagram Aspen Valley (@aspenvalleywildlifesanctuary) • Instagram photos and videos
