MNR student helps rescue abandoned moose calf

MNR intern Jeremy Tessier's 1st week on the job turned into a memorable one after saving an abandoned 5-day-old moose calf found curled up near a rural road.

A Georgian College student’s third day on the job with the Ministry of Natural Resources turned into an unforgettable wildlife rescue last week after crews found a newborn moose calf abandoned beside a rural mailbox.

Jeremy Tessier, a Kirkland Lake native studying environmental technology in Barrie, began his summer employment with the MNR last week. What started as a routine morning quickly shifted when his crew leader directed him to gather his gear for a call about an animal in distress in Englehart, Ont.

Upon arrival, the team discovered a five-day-old moose calf lying quietly next to a mailbox along a rural road. The calf had been there through the night and despite an extensive search of the surrounding area, there was no sign of the mother. Crews determined the calf had been abandoned.

The calf showed no fear of the rescuers, allowing them to simply walk over and pick it up without resistance.

The decision was made to transport the calf to the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Huntsville, where a veterinarian examined it and confirmed its age of only five days.

Since arriving at the sanctuary, the calf has been placed with three other moose calves and is reportedly doing well.

Tessier’s grandfather, Jim Aldred, shared the story in an email to CTV News, relaying his grandson’s enthusiasm for the new role.

“When I asked Jeremy how does he like his new job? With the biggest smile he said ‘Its friggen awesome,’” Aldred wrote.

Aldred added a note of encouragement for his grandson, writing, “Good luck Jeremy, enjoy your summer and share your experiences with your classmates in the fall.”