MOOSE HUSBANDRY AT THE COLUMBUS ZOO: THE NUTRITION ASPECT

• Main Author: Monska, Lori
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Lakehead University 2001
• Subjects: Alces alces
• Online Access: http://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/537

The Columbus Zoo in Columbus Ohio, USA is the most southern facility to exhibit moose (Alces alces). This paper is a review of our management practices through the years. A total of 10 orphaned calves have since been received. Four survived past age one with 2 breeding and producing twin calves. Nutrition is a major concern with moose in captive environments. The use of pelleted moose rations along with the supplementation of browse is discussed. Browse is utilized as a daily dietary component during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Fresh frozen leaves are a new component of our browse program during the winter. In addition, a brief description of the exhibit outlines the features included for accommodating moose in Ohio.