Rescued baby musk ox arrives at Alaska Zoo

Cindy Keuler, Alyeska Environmental Program Specialist, hand feeds little Katie.

Katie, the baby musk ox rescued by TAPS employees, has arrived at the Alaska Zoo. After her initial rescue, Katie spent a brief period of time at the Fairbanks Large Animal Research center to recuperate for her final journey to Anchorage and her new home at the Alaska Zoo.

Members of Alyeska’s Environment Team recently stopped by the zoo to check on the progress of the baby musk ox.

“I am excited to report that Katie is doing very well, and she is very happy in her new home,” said Keuler. “She is currently living with a new step sister.”

"Katie stayed glued to her sister’s side, which is adorable. They both had a fixation with my jacket zippers; the staff at the zoo said they are probably teething.”

“Katie and her new sister are in quarantine for a period of time until they are cleared of a potential hoof disease that can be contracted from larger musk ox.”

“I was lucky to arrive at feeding time, and I was able to feed our little girl, who – I have to say – is quite the eater. That may have something do to with the fact that she is now 36 pounds! All in all, she is thriving nicely thanks to all the TAPS folks who took part in her rescue.”

Katie and her sister are in their new enclosure and can be seen by anyone visiting the Alaska Zoo. Click here for more information about zoo hours and location.