Columbus Zoo takes in orphaned moose calf from Alaska

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium welcomed an orphaned moose calf to her new home earlier this month.

The moose, named Strawberry, is believed to be between 4-6 months old and arrived to Ohio from the Alaska Zoo on Oct. 12, according to a release from the zoo.

The zoo says she was found in Anchorage, Alaska on Strawberry Road, which inspired her name, and neighborhood residents spotted her without her mother in June 2021.

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“The pair had previously been seen in the area, and it was unusual for the calf’s mother—who residents observed to be a beautiful, good-sized moose—to not be with her calf,” the zoo said.

When Strawberry’s mother went missing, residents reached out to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

The young moose calf was taken to the Alaska Zoo after biologists determined her mother was gone. Already caring for several moose, the zoo chose the Columbus Zoo as Strawberry’s new home.

Strawberry is now adjusting to her new home, and zoo officials say she is eating well and continues to gain weight. Currently, Strawberry stands at roughly 5 feet tall and weighed around 390 pounds when she arrived to the zoo.

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Following a mandatory quarantine period, Strawberry will be introduced to the zoo’s other female moose, Bertha, who was also an orphan that came from the Alaska Zoo.

“These two moose certainly had a challenging start in life. While we wish that nothing had happened to their mothers, we are proud to be able to provide them with the second chance that they deserve, while also inspiring our guests to learn more about this important North American species.” said Dr. Jan Ramer, Senior Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Guests can see Strawberry in the moose yards across from the reindeer habitat when she decides to come out, the zoo said.

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