One Big Animal You Won’t See In a Zoo in Idaho

For all animal lovers, zoos are some of the best places to go. For many, they will take a vacation to visit a popular zoo such as the ones in Omaha, San Diego, or St. Louis. There are multiple zoos in the area, such as Boise, Pocatello, and Idaho Falls. Everyone loves to see elephants, bears, lions, tigers, and all that they have to offer, but there is one animal that you rarely, if ever, see.

No Moose Are in Zoos

Having traveled across the country a bit, I have been to many zoos. I have seen many types of animals, including koalas, polar bears, and even pandas. Some rare animals in the world are in zoos, but there is one I have yet to see and that is a moose. It is no secret I am fascinated by them, and one of the reasons is that, as an animal lover, I am disappointed I have never seen one in person. Zoos do not seem to have them and it is a little disheartening and makes one wonder why there are no moose. If a zoo can handle lions, mountain lions, bears, and other dangerous animals, then they should be able to handle a moose. The question is raised, why are there no moose in zoos?

Why Zoos Don't Have Moose

Most animals live longer in captivity than in the wild. They don't have the threats, they have shelter, food, and are watched over by someone if they fall ill. Moose are a little different though. They often will die early, due to it being difficult to duplicate their diet in the wild. Moose typically require large volumes of twigs and aquatic plants that are not easy to supply to moose in zoos. Another reason they often don't do well in captivity is that it makes them more prone to disease. They live in colder areas, which means ticks aren't as much of a threat. If you move a moose to a warmer area, it causes them to be more exposed to ticks and get diseases they may not otherwise get. 

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The next time you visit a zoo, check to see if you are lucky and they have a moose. If they don't, know that there is a good reason for it. While I am disappointed I can't see one, and may never see one, it is comforting to know that by not having one in captivity, the animal is better off. Enjoy the bears, lions, tigers, and other big animals, and hope you are lucky enough to one day see one in the wild at a safe distance. If you do come across one, make sure you don't feed it or try to pet it.