Double the moose cuteness at Minnesota Zoo

Star Tribune

Last update: July 15, 2009 - 7:39 PM

Newborn twin moose went on exhibit Wednesday at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley.

The male and female are just shy of 2 months old. Since their birth, the twins have been kept under wraps to allow them to bond with their mother.

The twins have yet to be named. Their mother, 9-year-old Lilly, was the most recent moose born at the zoo. She is also one of the oldest first-time moose mothers in a U.S. zoo.

Moose births typically yield one to three calves. Their weight at birth ranges from 30 to 40 pounds. The calves remain with their mother for up to two years.

Moose are the largest members of the deer family, averaging 950 to 1,000 pounds and sometimes topping 1,200 pounds. Their population in Minnesota ranges from 5,000 to 8,000.

PAUL WALSH