THUNDER BAY — A wildlife sanctuary in central Ontario is now looking after an orphaned moose from the Thunder Bay area.
Nicknamed Thunder, the male calf born this year was discovered separated from its mother last week.
According to the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rosseau, east of Parry Sound, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry arranged to transfer him to its care.
Ministry staff drove him first to the Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre in the Sudbury area, where he was stabilized before being taken farther south to Rosseau.
Thunder is expected to spend the next year in rehab before being released back into the wilderness.
Mon Naksomboon, assistant director of animal welfare at Aspen Valley, told TBnewswatch on Tuesday the animal is in stable condition.
"He's doing okay. He's drinking. He's started nibbling on leaves and twigs," she said.
"He'll be staying with us for a year. If he makes it, he'll be released in 2025."
Naksomboon said the MNRF will decide where Thunder should be returned to the wild.
He's the first calf to be sent to the wildlife centre so far this year.
Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a registered charity, and relies solely on donations to fund its animal welfare operation.
