Abandoned baby walrus in Alaska gets second chance at life

An orphaned baby walrus found abandoned gets a new chance at life after being rescued from a remote corner of Alaska.

The female Pacific walrus, whose name has not yet been released, was found emaciated and dehydrated with “small superficial wounds all over her body” in Utqiagvik, Alaska, after her herd left the area, the Alaska SeaLife Center said in a news release Monday.

The center rescued the baby last month with permission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Wildlife Response Program. The walrus is now at the center's facility in Seward, Alaska.

“During rehabilitation, staff act as surrogates, sitting with the calf around the clock and providing intensive care,” the center said, explaining that walrus calves stay with their mothers for one to two years and seek comfort through physical contact. Walruses are also very social creatures, the center said.

Although the walrus, estimated to be just a few weeks old, is showing positive signs of improvement, its condition remains critical and it is receiving intensive care.

“Challenging task”

Several organizations, including SeaWorld, Indianapolis Zoo and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, as well as several other Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited wildlife facilities, have been assisting the center in the rehabilitation of the young walrus since her birth on July 22.

“Caring for an orphaned walrus calf is an incredibly demanding task that requires unwavering dedication and expertise,” said Wei Ying Wong, the center's president and CEO, in a statement. “We are monitoring her signs of improvement with cautious optimism and appreciate the support of our partners in providing the best possible care for her and all of our wildlife patients.”