On a crisp, February morning at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, 3-year-old moose Luna received a special kind of forest “house call.” She was safely anesthetized for a routine wellness exam, led by Head Veterinarian Dr. Kadie Anderson and the wildlife park’s dedicated veterinary and keeper teams. After sedation, the animal care staff gently positioned Luna, taking extra care to protect the long, spindly legs that support her impressive size, so they could conduct thorough physical exams.

Luna earned a clean bill of health. During her procedure, Luna received a dental check where she had her teeth filed to correct abnormal wear, had her blood drawn, and received antibiotic and anti-inflammatory injections, along with booster shots to ensure her preventive vaccines are fully up to date. X-rays were taken of Luna’s leg to monitor for arthritis or joint disease.

Once every check was complete, the team gave Luna reversal medications to wake her back up. Wobbly at first, she slowly sauntered back into the forest and settled down to rest.

About Luna

Luna was rescued after wandering alone around the small town of Ninilchik, Alaska for several days in May 2022. After closely monitoring the calf and not seeing her mother, Alaska Fish & Game biologists transported her to the Alaska Zoo for temporary care. She then made the journey to her permanent home at Northwest Trek. You can see Luna, and rescued moose Calli, in the 435-acre Free-Roaming Area from a Discovery Tram Tour, Wild Drive, or Keeper Adventure Tour.