When A Young Blind Moose Gets A Second Chance

I recently read an article by the NY Times regarding a young blind moose in rural Ottawa who was found and turned over to a wildlife rescue operation. The full story can be found in The Canada Letter section in a story by Ian Austen dated July 19, 2025 entitled: ‘A Rescue Center For Small Wild Animals Looks to Place a Blind Moose Calf’.

It drew my attention as an animal lover and as one who wondered what happens to animals that fall into the cracks of the wildlife care system when the plan is normally to heal and release.

In this case, this poor calf would be easy pickings for other animals since it cannot see and it came to the rescue in the first place because the mother could not be found. It obviously needed help but causes concern when there are additional issues.

The plan is to send it to a zoo in Ontario that already has moose so it would be with its own kind. But final consent is not yet in his future. Cedar, which is his new name, will have a chance to live out his life in the best way possible if all goes well.

I like to think that Canadians care about wildlife and my experience is they really do. I must say I admire the moose as a noble beast and I have had a few experiences in the wild that indicates they are truly powerful and quite fearless.

I recall a day up near Quesnel in BC when we were on our way to Prince George. A line had formed of cars, very unusual for the area and at the front was a semi with a moose staring the driver down.

It was rutting season and the moose saw the semi as a threat. He bent his head down and dashed towards the semi engine. His force was so great that he embedded his horns and head well into the engine, destroying the semi and giving his all in the process.

That kind of thing sticks with you and I daresay the trucker too. We as humans tend to think we are the ones running the show and something like humbles you. But we Canadians fully respect our wild counterparts.

So it is fitting that we give them the attention they deserve as fellow beings on the same planet. I daresay, we have a sense of pride in doing so. As for Cedar, he will get the second chance he needs to lead a natural life and help to educate others about his incredible attributes.