Abandoned And Blind, This Baby Moose’s Journey Is Melting Hearts Across Canada

July 28, 2025

In a heartwarming wildlife rescue story out of Ontario, a two-month-old blind moose calf named Cedar is getting a second chance at life—thanks to the quick action of a local rescue group and the support of the Toronto Zoo.

Holly's Haven Wildlife Rescue

Cedar was discovered wandering alone on a rural road in Hawkesbury with no mother in sight. His rescuers from Holly's Haven Wildlife Rescue knew his chances of survival were slim without immediate intervention.

"The moose calf was blind and wandering on its own with no sight of a mother," said Lynne Rowe, the organization's director of operations.

Holly's Haven Wildlife Rescue

The team at Holly’s Haven quickly set up a room to assess Cedar’s condition. Vets determined that he had partial sight in one eye, and by the following day, a small outdoor enclosure was built to help him acclimate and recover.

Over the next three weeks, Cedar received ongoing veterinary care as the rescue looked for a permanent solution.

Normally, Holly's Haven would work with Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary for long-term care, but they learned the sanctuary was currently full. That led Rowe to reach out to the Toronto Zoo.

“Moose cannot be taken out of the wild to be put in a zoo,” Rowe explained. The only way a native Canadian animal like a moose can end up in an enclosure is if it is deemed unfit to be released back into the wild.

Rowe needed approval from the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources. That permission came through quickly, within a day.

Holly's Haven Wildlife Rescue

Cedar’s future home at the Toronto Zoo is already being prepared. CEO Dolf DeJong said that their team is eager to welcome the calf.

“Our veterinarians will connect with their veterinarians now so we can get a full understanding of Cedar’s condition and make sure we’re able to provide that support he needs for him to thrive,” DeJong said.

Holly's Haven Wildlife Rescue

Although the ideal outcome would have been a return to the wild, DeJong noted the educational value Cedar can provide.

“Many Canadians don't have the chance to see a moose… If he needs a forever home, we're excited to be able to share that story and to provide that care for him.”

Before Cedar can be moved, he will undergo a full zoonotic disease screening and other assessments to ensure he is healthy enough to travel. For now, he remains at Holly’s Haven until veterinary teams give the green light and final paperwork is completed.