Moose "Emil" now traveling between Bavaria and the Czech Republic

Moose "Emil" is exploring his habitat and returning to his habits and fellow species. 20 lynxes live in the Czech National Park Šumava. "Emil's" data is also being received in the Bavarian Forest, but the GPS tracker will soon no longer function as the battery is almost empty.

Stressful Summer Trip for Moose "Emil"

The tracker has fulfilled its purpose and documented that Emil has coped well with the anesthesia and continues his journey. The blood values from the health check conducted during the anesthesia suggest that the summer trip was very stressful for the moose. The blood analysis showed elevated cortisol levels and a low number of white blood cells, both of which - especially in combination - are indicators of chronic stress. Additionally, "Emil" was prophylactically strengthened with oxygen, infusions, vitamins, and minerals during the examination.

In principle, however, "Emil" was assessed by the veterinary team to be healthy and fit for his age and could be released into his natural habitat, the forest, with a clear conscience. The health data clearly highlighted the downsides of the hype around the moose: "Emil" sought retreat options during the day but found few due to his popularity. "A wild animal should always be approached with respectful distance - because every wild animal has the right to be anonymous and self-reliant," emphasized the consulting veterinarians.

Moose "Emil" Back to Being a Wild Animal

"Emil" was first sighted in Austria in mid-August, likely originating from Poland and entering the country via the Czech Republic. For more than a month, he wandered through Lower and Upper Austria before being stopped with a tranquilizer shot on September 22 - as he was about to enter the West Autobahn at the highway junction near Stattledt. The moose was brought to the Bohemian Forest at the tri-border area of Austria-Czech Republic-Germany and released. "Emil can now be a wild animal again - in the open nature, without roads, noise, and stress. This is good for him, as we can see," said Langer-Weninger.

(APA/Red)

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