Where’s Moose?

If you’re like me, you’re wondering where Moose, the 5-foot sturgeon that lived in Cabela’s aquarium, has gone.

Well, John Harding, the aquarium specialist at Cabela’s in Boise, wanted to let me know because other shoppers want to know, too.

Moose got too big for the Boise tank.

So, the staffs from the Boise and Lehi, Utah, stores worked together to move the big fish in October.

Moose had begun to outgrow the 6,000-gallon cold-water tank at the Cabela's aquarium in Boise, said Harding.

The beautiful big fish was safely and successfully transported to Lehi’s store, where there is a 35,000-gallon tank.

Harding and Robert Judd, Cabela’s aquarium specialist in Lehi, worked together on the transfer. They also worked with fish and wildlife agencies in both states because you can’t transport fish and wildlife between states without getting permission.

Moose should have enough room in the Lehi tank to grow up to 8 or maybe 10 feet.

But Moose is missed by Boise storegoers, staff and me. Luckily, I got a photo of him.

The Boise store staff is discussing whether to get another sturgeon and also talking with Idaho Fish and Game for advice.

Moose was definitely a conversation piece and helped educate kids about fish. My grandkids were “wowed” by the big fish.

Harding said they definitely want to get another one but there’s always the worry and problem of where to take the giant fish when it outgrows the Boise tank.

Cabela’s aquariums are popular and great for fisheries education.

The cold-water tank has rainbow, brook and brown trout and carp, walleye and yellow perch. It also has a tiger trout (brook and brown cross).

The warm-water tank, has flathead, channel and albino channel catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and bluegill, black crappie and more walleye.

The warm-water tank also has the invasive red-eared slider and native western painted turtles.

It’s an education tool to help people know the difference between the invasive and native turtles, Harding said.

The aquariums in Boise’s Cabela’s store are popular, to say the least. On regular days, 60 to 70 people will show up to watch their daily feedings. On really busy Saturdays, the number can grow to 120.

The staff feeds the fish worms, gold fish and herring.

Good luck and best wishes, Moose.

Pete Zimowsky: 377-6445, Twitter: @Zimosoutdoors