POWELL, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced Tuesday that Bert, one of three orphaned Alaskan moose calves rescued in 2022, was humanely euthanized after becoming ill and unable to stand.
Zoo officials said Bert captured the hearts of guests and staff from the moment he arrived in Ohio as part of a group that included Scarlet and Violet. The three young moose were placed in the North America Trek habitat, where they quickly became popular attractions for visitors from across central and southern Ohio.
In recent days, the zoo’s animal care team noticed concerning changes in Bert’s behavior and placed him under emergency veterinary care with continuous monitoring. When he did not regain the ability to stand or function normally, veterinarians made the difficult decision for humane euthanasia.
“A necropsy has been performed, and we are awaiting results to help determine the cause of Bert’s condition,” the zoo stated.
The zoo shared a heartfelt message on social media: “Some animals leave hoofprints that stay with you forever. Resident moose, Bert, was one of them.”
Bert, estimated to be around five years old, was rescued as a calf by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game along with his companions after being orphaned. Their arrival at the Columbus Zoo in October 2022 brought attention to conservation efforts for moose and other North American wildlife.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a major regional attraction serving families throughout south and south central Ohio, has faced similar difficult decisions in the past, including the euthanasia of a cheetah earlier this year due to health issues. Zoo leadership has emphasized transparency in animal care practices.
Visitors and local residents who followed Bert’s story are invited to share memories on the zoo’s social media channels as the institution continues to care for Scarlet and Violet.
