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An orphaned baby walrus from Alaska recently found a new home over 4,000 miles away at Florida’s SeaWorld.
US Geological Survey biologist Tony Fischbach and intern Violet Anniskett found the 5-month-old, 220-pound walrus calf on a beach in Point Lay in Northern Alaska on Sept. 14, according to the Alaska Sealife Center.
The researchers were scouring the remote beach after a walrus herd left during heavy surf. They were collecting carcass samples to study algal toxins.
The lone mammal, who they named Annautaq, was found lying on the sand between two dead walruses.
Fischbach and Anniskett immediately jumped into action to save Annautaq, and moved him more than half a mile to an abandoned building where he could be safe from predators until more help could arrive.
“When we found him, a determined flock of gulls was intent on scavenging him. He was in immediate peril of suffering this fate had we not gotten approval to intervene. Two polar bears were also active on the island,” Fischbach said.
The heroic pair stayed there with the calf for three days until a transport team for the walrus finally arrived.
Annautaq, which means “axe” in Iñupiaq, was then flown to the Alaska Sealife Center more than 800 miles away in Seward to start his recovery.
Veterinarians said he was in decent condition, but he was dehydrated and was covered in wounds.
And he was lonely.
Baby walruses need constant care from their moms when they are young. Without that connection, he had actually quickly bonded with Fischbach and Anniskett during the days they stayed with him.
“He bonded with us fast and wouldn’t sleep unless one of us was in the room. It was just us two for three days, stuck in a storm with the young walrus,” Anniskett said.
While he was recovering well, the US Fish and Wildlife Service ruled that the walrus couldn’t be released back into the wild.
Experts decided the best place for him would be SeaWorld in Orlando, where he was transported this month, SeaWorld said on Oct. 21.
The marine mammal park has a “longstanding rescue mission” that has already helped more than 43,000 animals in need, SeaWorld said.
He’ll be quarantined for 30 days and will receive 24-hour support, including six bottle feedings every day.
“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, a curator at SeaWorld Orlando.
“As he settles in, we’ll make introductions to [other walruses] Garfield, Kaboodle and Uki at his pace. Kaboodle’s experience caring for rescued calves and the opportunity to connect with two-year old Uki, herself a rescued walrus, make this herd a promising setting for him to learn, build relationships and grow.”