Colorado Springs – The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo) is set to add two new residents to its wildlife collection later this week. Both animals are seven‑month‑old moose calves rescued in Alaska and are being transferred from The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, where they received intensive care after early‑life hardships.
Rescue background
According to officials at The Alaska Zoo, the female calf’s mother was killed in a vehicle collision or other human‑wildlife conflict, prompting the zoo to intervene and take the youngster into its care. The male calf was separated from his mother and twin shortly after birth and was brought to the zoo in May when he was only a few weeks old. Both calves have now grown to roughly seven months and are ready for a new home.
Preparing the moose yard
CMZoo staff are currently “baby‑proofing” the moose enclosure to ensure the young animals have a safe environment as they adjust to their new surroundings. Zoo officials say the yard will be modified as the moose grow, providing ample space for grazing, wallowing and natural behaviors.
Rachel Wright, communications and marketing director for CMZoo, praised the work of The Alaska Zoo team, stating, “These babies had a rough start, but the Alaska Zoo team did an incredible job providing life‑saving care for them. When they get home to CMZoo later this week, they’ll start a new chapter, living full lives with choice, control, and amazing long‑term care from our moose experts in Rocky Mountain Wild. We can’t wait for everyone to meet them.”
Journey to Colorado Springs
A moose keeper from The Alaska Zoo will travel with the calves on the 17‑hour journey to Colorado Springs, monitoring their health and comfort throughout the trip. Members of the CMZoo team are also in Alaska to meet the caretakers and document the transfer, sharing updates on the zoo’s social‑media channels.
What visitors can expect
The zoo estimates the calves will be visible to guests by the weekend following their arrival. Because the young moose will be exploring and acclimating to their new environment, they may not be on display at all times. The animals have not yet been given names, allowing visitors to watch their personalities develop.
CMZoo recently lost a moose named Atka, who also came from The Alaska Zoo’s rescue program. The addition of these two calves marks a hopeful continuation of the partnership between the two institutions and underscores the zoo’s commitment to wildlife rescue and education.
Local families and wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the zoo to learn more about moose biology, the challenges of human‑wildlife interactions in Alaska, and the importance of rescue efforts that give vulnerable animals a second chance.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
