Orphaned Alaskan moose arrive at the Columbus Zoo

POWELL, Ohio – Columbus Zoo and Aquarium adopted three orphaned Alaskan moose this week.

After a long journey, the calves arrived at the zoo on Tuesday and are now exploring a new habitat in the North American region.

The calves, named Bert, Scarlet and Violet, are about five months old. They were all found by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and were at the Alaska Zoo before arriving in Columbus.

“I’m so glad the calves made it to their new home safely. Our keepers and interns have worked really hard with them all summer. Watching them grow and develop from wobbly orphans to strong little moose has been a joy and everyone here felt the bittersweet feeling of sending they have a new home. I know they will be well cared for and loved by everyone,” said Sam Lavin, Alaska Zoo curator.

Burt was found in May running along a beach near Nikiski, Alaska. According to the Columbus Zoo, Alaska Department of Fish and Game officials suspect he fell off a cliff and became separated from his mother. His mother was not found. He is the largest of the calves at over 300 pounds.

The Columbus Zoo says Violet’s mother gave her up for unknown reasons. She was emaciated and dehydrated when she arrived at the Alaska Zoo.

The Columbus Zoo says the circumstances surrounding Scarlett’s arrival at the Alaska Zoo are unknown. She is the smallest of the calves, weighing 214 kilograms.

About 70% of the animals in the Columbus Zoo’s North American region have either been relocated due to natural disasters, orphaned, rescued or rehabilitated due to injury.

The zoo says the new arrivals will be under mandatory quarantine before keepers introduce them to Strawberry, another elk at the Columbus Zoo who was rescued last year by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

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