Blind Moose Calf Cedar Finds Home at Ottawa Wildlife Rescue

Cedar, the blind moose calf, has arrived at Holly’s Haven, where efforts to nourish and care for him have raised challenges regarding his future. Experts confirm that due to his disabilities, he will require a permanent home away from the dangers of the wild.

At Holly’s Haven, a wildlife rescue center located in a tranquil area outside of Ottawa, the staff has welcomed a new resident: Cedar, a blind moose calf recovering from an injured leg. Cedar, just a month and a half old, embodies the challenges of wildlife rehabilitation, as he cannot be reintroduced into his natural habitat even after healing. The center already plays host to a variety of small animals, including coyotes, porcupines, and raccoons.

Lynne Rowe, the center's founder, finds herself in uncharted territory as she navigates Cedar's care. The prognosis for Cedar includes very limited eyesight in his right eye, which presents a significant risk if he were to return to the wild. "Experts agree that young moose like him face harsh predation from wolves and coyotes; his survival would be nearly impossible," Rowe shared. While Cedar currently weighs around 30 kilograms, he is projected to grow up to 700 kilograms as an adult, heightening the challenges associated with his care.

The situation mirrors that of Holly, the raccoon for whom the center is named, who also could not return to the wild due to health issues. Cedar’s presence at the facility signifies a long-term commitment to his rehabilitation, encouraging a deeper understanding of the complexities of wildlife welfare challenges faced by both the animals and those who care for them.