At Holly’s Haven, a wildlife rescue in Ottawa, a collection of small animals like coyotes and raccoons coexist with a larger, more complex inhabitant: Cedar, a blind moose calf aged about six weeks. Cedar's arrival challenges the center to adapt its practices, especially since he cannot be returned to the wild once his leg heals.
Founder Lynne Rowe notes that Cedar has only a slim chance of recovering vision in one eye. Given the predators present in the wild, such as wolves and coyotes, a return would likely spell disaster for him. Cedar, currently about 30 kilograms, could reach such a size that would make managing his care even more challenging over time.
As Rowe observes Cedar munch on willow branches, she is acutely aware that his future at the rescue is uncertain. With the guidance of veterinarians and moose rehabilitation experts, it is clear that Cedar's condition renders him non-releasable, highlighting the difficult realities of wildlife rehabilitation.
