COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo) is getting two new residents soon from Alaska!
The zoo says it will soon have two 7-month-old rescued Alaska moose calves. The two moose are currently being cared for by The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, who officials say specialize in caring for animals who wouldn't survive in the wild.
CMZoo says moose-human conflicts are common around Anchorage, so the zoo typically spends its summers rescuing moose calves. CMZoo recently lost its moose, Atka, who also came from The Alaska Zoo's program.
READ MORE: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announces passing of 6-year-old Alaska moose, Atka
The zoo says the calves' background isn't clear. According to officials, the female's mother was either killed in a vehicle collision or due to a human-wildlife conflict. The calf was rescued and taken to the zoo for care.
The male calf was separated from his mother and twin and taken into the zoo in May, at just a few days or weeks old, CMZoo says. The zoo estimates both calves are now around seven months.
According to CMZoo, its team is currently working on "babyproofing" the moose yard for the calves with plans to adjust the space as they grow.
Members of CMZoo are currently in Alaska to meet the moose care team and document their trip back to Colorado Springs. More information on that journey is available on the zoo's social media pages.
"“These babies had a rough start, but The Alaska Zoo team did an incredible job providing life-saving care for them,” Rachel Wright, communications and marketing director for CMZoo said in a press release. “When they get home to CMZoo later this week, they’ll start a new chapter, living full lives with choice, control, and amazing long-term care from our moose experts in Rocky Mountain Wild. We can’t wait for everyone to meet them.”
A moose keeper from The Alaska Zoo is traveling with the calves to check on them during the 17-hour journey.
The zoo estimates the calves will be visible to to guests by the weekend, but may not always be visible as they explore their area and get adjusted to the space. They do not yet have names.
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