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Orphaned baby walrus recovering at Alaska facility
An abandoned baby walrus is getting a second chance at life at an Alaskan facility. (Credit: Kaiti Grant / Alaska Sealife Center)
SEWARD, Alaska - An orphaned baby walrus is getting a second chance at life after entering rehabilitative care at the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) in Seward, Alaska.
The ASLC said the Pacific walrus calf came from Utqiagvik, Alaska, last month.
The baby, a female who's only a few weeks old, was found abandoned after her herd left the area, according to officials. Though in a critical state, she is said to be showing signs of improvement.
The walrus was said to be emaciated, dehydrated, and had small superficial wounds covering her body when she was discovered.
Organizations from around the United States, including SeaWorld, Indianapolis Zoo and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, have come together to provide care to an orphaned Pacific walrus calf receiving rehabilitative care at the Alaska SeaLife Cen …
"Caring for an orphaned walrus calf is an incredibly demanding task, requiring unwavering dedication and expertise,"Dr. Wei Ying Wong, ASLC President and CEO, said in a news release. "We watch her signs of improvement with cautious optimism and are pleased to be supported by our partners in providing the best possible care for her and all our wildlife response patients."
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Several organizations are helping to care for the calf, including SeaWorld, Indianapolis Zoo and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Walrus calves are said to be with their mothers for up to two years and highly social, seeking comfort through physical contact with their mothers.
While in rehabilitative care, staff members can act as surrogates, sitting with the calf 24/7 and providing intensive care.
It's unlikely the calf will be released, but she could serve as an ambassador to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Pacific walruses and their ecosystems.