This is one of the hardest posts we've had to write. Our hearts are heavy, and our words feel small in the face of such a loss. With deep sadness, we regretfully share that Cedar, our young moose calf, has passed away both suddenly and unexpectedly.

 

Despite receiving immediate and ongoing veterinary care, Cedar left this world far too soon.  We gave him thorough examinations by multiple veterinarians, long-lasting antibiotics, pain medication, X-rays, and consultations with an orthopedic specialist and an ophthalmologist. Our team provided round-the-clock care for him. In the weeks and days leading up to his passing, he was thriving. He was eating well and socializing. He showed no signs of stress and no indication of an underlying problem. His sudden loss has left our entire team, and the veterinary professionals who cared for him, shocked and heartbroken.

 

Cedar's story began in heartbreak. He was found alone and blind, limping through a farmer's field crying for his mother who never returned. Whether she was lost to the roadside, predators, or illness, we'll never know. Sometimes abandoned animals are born with hidden challenges that make survival unlikely, and that may have been the case here. Sadly, we don't know what caused him to pass. On the day of his passing, and just an hour and a half prior, Cedar appeared healthy. Then he was gone. That is one of the hardest truths of wildlife rehabilitation. You can do everything right and still lose them.

 

But Cedar's life was not in vain. In his short time with us, he became a beacon of what's possible when kind people come together to do what's right. He reminded us all of why wildlife rescue matters. Thanks to your support, Cedar's last weeks were filled with safety, nourishment, love, and peace. He was protected from predators, from traffic, and from the fences he couldn't see. He was not alone. He was loved.

 

In Cedar's memory, our grieving team will be planting a living memorial made up of trees and native plants that will shelter and feed other wildlife. We encourage you to join us by planting native and pollinator-friendly plants where you are. In this way, Cedar's light will continue to shine through all of us. For more information, please visit the Ottawa Horticultural Society website or the City of Ottawa’s website.

 

From the bottom of our broken hearts, we thank everyone who supported Cedar's journey. His life, though short, touched so many, and his memory will live on forever at Holly’s Haven Wildlife Rescue.

 

Rest gently, sweet Cedar. We will miss you. ❤️🫎❤️

 

— Holly's Haven Wildlife Rescue