Faro, one of two orphaned moose calves brought to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve during the spring, has died.

Watson, the other moose, remains in good health. Both were featured last month in the Star.

Faro had arrived in late May. He experienced several health complications within days of his arrival.

These included general weakness, ataxia (unco-ordinated muscle movements) and mild pneumonia.

Dr. Maria Hallock, the preserve’s veterinarian, provided treatment and the symptoms resolved after approximately 10 days.

“From there, the moose continued to develop normally until early July,” the preserve said in a statement last Saturday.

“On July 2nd, he collapsed suddenly while running around in their outdoor paddock. Over the following days, the young moose exhibited partial paralysis, which drastically limited his ability to stand and move around.

“As a result of these symptoms, he sustained new injuries and his health continued to decline. By July 6th, it was clear that there was no hope of recovery.”

His pain medication was no longer effective, and staff determined his condition had become unmanageable.

Animal care staff then sedated and euthanized the moose.

“Our animal care staff are very saddened,” said Jake Paleczny, the preserve’s executive director.

“Even though we know how uncertain the future is for animals in rehab, our staff put their hearts and souls into raising and caring for animals like Faro.

“It’s been very emotional and challenging for the staff who were right there through it all.”

Hallock has investigated several possible causes over the past week. She had help from the All Paws Veterinary Clinic, the territorial Animal Health Unit Veterinarian, and the Equine Specialist Veterinarians (visiting from Alberta).

“Despite Dr. Hallock’s efforts and those of our local colleagues, the causes remain unknown,” the preserve said.

Rehabilitation of orphaned moose calves is notoriously challenging, it pointed out.

“They don’t come to us with a medical history. That means it’s impossible to know how their life history (diet, previous injuries, genetic predispositions, etc.) will impact their future.”

Fortunately, Watson remains in good health.

“He expressed distress at Faro’s passing but has continued to eat well and stay engaged in his surroundings,” the preserve said.

“In the coming days and weeks, he’ll be moved to a larger outdoor habitat. He will continue to remain out of view of the public to minimize any unnecessary stress through this sensitive period.”

When the news about these two moose broke in mid-June, the preserve received more than $600 in donations. Support like this is critical to the Preserve’s ability to accept and care for the Yukon’s most vulnerable animals, the statement said.

The preserve, located off the Takhini Hot Springs Road, is a zoological institution and a non-profit charity dedicated to connecting visitors with the natural world.

The operating society maintains populations of 11 species of Yukon wildlife in large natural habitats.

The society also conducts educational programming and funds a wildlife rehabilitation program for injured and orphaned wildlife.

The facilities and the level of care provided to the animals successfully meets the stringent criteria of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, to which the preserve is a long-time member.