SeaWorld Orlando has a new baby walrus. Annautaq, a 5-month-old male Pacific walrus calf who was found alone on a remote northern Alaska beach, has moved to the Florida park after months of rehabilitation, SeaWorld announced on October 21.
The calf weighs about 220 pounds, according to SeaWorld. His name means “axe” in Inupiaq, and he was named by Violet Anniskett, who was part of the team that found him along with U.S. Geological Survey scientist Tony Fischbach.
After he was rescued, Annautaq was cared for at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service later determined he couldn’t be released back into the wild, so he made a 4,000-mile trip to SeaWorld Orlando, which is one of only four U.S. institutions that can currently house walruses.
“Annautaq’s story shows why having specialized marine mammal rehabilitation capacity in Alaska is so important,” said Jane Belovarac, wildlife response curator at the Alaska SeaLife Center, in the joint release. She said the team was able to stabilize the calf and support his medical and social needs around the clock.
Here’s what life looks like for him now.
How SeaWorld Is Caring for the Baby Walrus
Annautaq is getting up to six bottle feedings a day, according to SeaWorld. He drinks a special high-fat formula that SeaWorld’s veterinary and animal care teams developed to mimic the rich fat content of natural walrus milk.
Bottle feeding a walrus calf – SeaWorld Orlando, Stephanie Bechara
READ: Orlando Experienced a Tourism Surge in 2025, But Disney World Did Not
He’ll also spend 30 days in quarantine, which is standard for animals arriving at a new facility. During that time, care specialists are staying close to him, since young walruses rely heavily on contact and companionship.
Dr. Stacy DiRocco and Annautaq in transit to SeaWorld – SeaWorld Orlando, Stephanie Bechara
“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, in the announcement.
Pacific walrus calves usually stay with their mothers for about two years, nursing and learning how to find food. Without his mother, the baby walrus depends on his care team for the comfort and contact a calf would normally get from her.
Meet the Rest of the Herd
Once he’s settled in, Annautaq will be introduced to SeaWorld Orlando’s three other walruses: Uki, who’s 2 years old and was also rescued, Kaboodle, who’s 23, and Garfield, who’s 44. Kinsler said the introductions will happen at the calf’s pace.
A local wildlife researcher and Annautaq – SeaWorld Orlando
READ: Typhoon Lagoon Closes for Seasonal Refurbishment
Kaboodle is expected to act as a surrogate, since she has experience caring for rescued calves. Kinsler said that experience, plus the chance to bond with Uki, makes the herd “a promising setting for him to learn, build relationships and grow.”
Walruses are social animals that spend much of their lives in herds, so the chance to grow up with other walruses was a big reason he was placed at SeaWorld Orlando, according to the park.
The walruses live in Expedition Odyssey, but SeaWorld hasn’t announced when guests will be able to see the baby walrus. SeaWorld says it has helped more than 43,000 animals over its history, and Annautaq is the newest addition to that list.
Are you planning a trip to SeaWorld Orlando to see Annautaq once he’s on view? Let us know in the comments.
UP NEXT: Former BioWare Employees Leak Mass Effect 5 Trailer
