A five-month-old walrus calf has arrived at his new home at SeaWorld Orlando after being found as an orphan on a remote Alaska beach.
The 220-pound Pacific walrus calf, named Annautaq, traveled 4,000 miles to Central Florida after being rescued by wildlife experts and rehabilitated at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward. In Orlando, he joins the park’s herd of walruses, including Kaboodle, Garfield and Uki, a 2-year-old rescue that shares a similar story.
The walrus calf was discovered on a remote beach in northern Alaska by Violet Anniskett, a wildlife research intern, and U.S. Geological Survey scientist Tony Fischbach. The rest of the walrus herd departed during heavy surf, leaving the orphaned calf hiding between the remains of two adult walruses.
The pair cared for him for several days before he could be flown to the Alaska SeaLife Center with the help of the community and federal wildlife officials. Anniskett named him Annautaq (pronounced “ah-now-tuq”), meaning “axe” in Iñupiaq, in honor of her father’s name.
SeaWorld sent animal care and veterinary staff to Alaska to provide care and prepare the calf for his long journey to Florida. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined he could not be released into the wild, as Pacific walruses rely on their mothers for milk, protection, learning survival skills and social behaviors in their first year of life.
Annautaq, a 5-month-old Pacific walrus, is in the care of SeaWorld Orlando after being rescued in Alaska by Violet Anniskett, a wildlife research intern, and U.S. Geological Survey scientist Tony Fischbach. The orphaned calf recently completed his 4,000-mile journey to Central Florida. (Courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando)
“When an orphaned walrus calf is found in a remote part of the state, a successful response depends on being able to move quickly from rescue to intensive, species specific rehabilitative, husbandry and veterinary care,” said Jane Belovarac, wildlife response curator at the Alaska SeaLife Center, in a press release. “Our team was able to stabilize Annautaq, support his medical and social needs around the clock and prepare him for the next stage of his care. Getting Annautaq to this point took an incredible network of people, and we’re proud the ASLC could provide the specialized care that helped carry him from rescue in Alaska to his next chapter.”
At SeaWorld Orlando, Annautaq is receiving up to six bottle feedings a day, veterinary care and 24-hour support during his 30-day quarantine period. After that, he will slowly be introduced to the herd, which includes Uki, 44-year-old Garfield and 23-year-old surrogate mother Kaboodle, who has nurtured rescued calves.
Annautaq, a 5-month-old Pacific walrus, is in the care of SeaWorld Orlando after being rescued in Alaska. The orphaned calf recently completed his 4,000-mile journey to Central Florida by truck and plane. (Courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando)
“At this young age, Annautaq needs more than nutrition and veterinary care. He also needs close contact and companionship, which our expert team is providing around the clock,” said Jim Kinsler, curator at SeaWorld Orlando. “As he settles in, we’ll make introductions to Garfield, Kaboodle and Uki at his pace. Kaboodle’s experience caring for rescued calves and the opportunity to connect with 2-year-old Uki, herself a rescued walrus, make this herd a promising setting for him to learn, build relationships and grow.”
Annautaq, a 5-month-old Pacific walrus, is in the care of SeaWorld Orlando after being rescued in Alaska. The orphaned calf recently completed his 4,000-mile journey to Central Florida. (Courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando)
It remains to be determined when park guests can see Annautaq among SeaWorld’s walrus herd. In the meantime, visit the others in the Expedition Odyssey animal habitat.
SeaWorld Orlando said the company has helped more than 43,000 animals through its rescue mission.
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