ORLANDO, Fla. — A remarkable journey of survival, compassion, and dedicated animal care has brought a young Pacific walrus from the icy shores of Alaska to Central Florida, where he is beginning a new chapter at SeaWorld Orlando.
Positively Osceola was invited to SeaWorld Orlando in October for a special media preview introducing Annautaq, a rescued walrus calf whose extraordinary story is capturing hearts. The event offered invited media an opportunity to see the young walrus through the viewing-room glass and learn about his rescue, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Annautaq was discovered alone on a remote Alaskan beach after becoming separated from his herd. Too young to survive independently, the orphaned calf faced an uncertain future until wildlife researchers and rescue specialists stepped in to save his life.
Following his rescue, Annautaq was transported to the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, where animal care professionals provided intensive treatment and rehabilitation. Because young walruses depend on their mothers for nourishment, protection, and essential survival skills, specialists determined that he could not safely return to the wild.
A New Beginning at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando, one of only a handful of facilities in the United States equipped to care for walruses, was selected as Annautaq’s permanent home.
Since arriving in Florida, the young walrus has received around-the-clock attention from SeaWorld’s veterinary and animal care teams, including specialized feedings, health monitoring, and enrichment activities designed to support his growth and development.
His future also includes becoming part of SeaWorld Orlando’s existing walrus family, which includes Kaboodle, Garfield, and another rescued Pacific walrus named Uki.
Another Reason to Celebrate: Uki Turns Two!
Annautaq’s arrival comes as SeaWorld Orlando celebrates another heartwarming milestone: Uki, the park’s rescued Pacific walrus, is turning two years old this week.
Like Annautaq, Uki was rescued as an orphaned calf in Alaska before finding a permanent home at SeaWorld Orlando. Today, she is a healthy, thriving young walrus weighing more than 600 pounds.
Known for her playful personality, Uki enjoys snow and ice enrichment, playing with water hoses, and spending time with Kaboodle, the adult walrus who serves as her surrogate.
Uki also recently underwent a routine health evaluation that included the placement of custom dental caps designed to protect her growing tusks.
Her second birthday is more than a celebration of another year. It represents the remarkable progress possible through dedicated veterinary care, rehabilitation, and the commitment of animal care specialists.
Two Rescues, One Mission of Compassion
Together, Annautaq and Uki’s stories highlight SeaWorld Orlando’s ongoing commitment to marine animal rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation.
For Annautaq, the journey is just beginning. As he continues growing stronger, animal care specialists will carefully guide his introduction to the park’s resident walruses, helping him develop the social relationships essential to his well-being.
For Uki, her second birthday is a celebration of just how far a rescued animal can come with expert care and a nurturing environment.
From the remote shores of Alaska to their new lives in Central Florida, Annautaq and Uki are living reminders that compassion, teamwork, and dedicated animal care can turn uncertain beginnings into extraordinary second chances.
For more information about SeaWorld Orlando and its animal rescue and conservation programs, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.