An orphaned walrus calf has a new opportunity at life following her rescue from a secluded area in Alaska.

The female Pacific walrus, who hasn’t been named yet, was discovered malnourished and dehydrated, along with “minor superficial injuries over her body” in Utqiagvik, Alaska, after her herd departed, according to a news release from the Alaska SeaLife Center on Monday.

The facility saved the calf last month with the consent of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Response Program, and she is currently housed at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska.

The center elaborated that “in rehabilitation, staff members serve as surrogate caregivers, staying with the calf all day and night, providing comprehensive care,” noting that walrus calves typically stay with their mothers for one to two years, needing physical comfort. The center emphasized the social nature of walruses.

While the estimated few weeks old walrus is displaying signs of progress, she is still in critical condition and continues to receive intensive care.

‘A Challenging Task’

Numerous organizations, including SeaWorld, Indianapolis Zoo, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, and other accredited wildlife facilities, have been assisting the center in rehabilitating the walrus since her rescue on July 22.

According to Wei Ying Wong, President and CEO of the center, “Looking after an orphaned walrus is an extremely demanding job, needing continuous commitment and specialized knowledge.” He expressed cautious hope regarding her improvements and gratitude for the support provided by their partners to ensure the best care for her and other wildlife response patients.

Since its inception in 1988, the center has only treated 11 walrus calves through its Wildlife Response Program, labeling this calf as “very special” and highlighting that it is the sole organization “permitted to rehabilitate stranded marine mammals in Alaska.”

The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Washington is one of only four zoos in North America housing walruses, and they dispatched a team member to Alaska to assist the young walrus.

A Representative for Her Species

This walrus will not be placed back into the wild due to her becoming accustomed to human care; instead, she will “act as a crucial ambassador for her species, promoting awareness about the difficulties faced by Pacific walruses and their ecosystems,” stated the center.

Chris Dold, SeaWorld’s chief zoological officer, remarked, “Walruses are fantastic representatives for the Arctic, inspiring us all to be better caretakers of our shared planet.” He expressed pride in having walruses at their parks, which educate visitors about these creatures and motivate them to safeguard both the walruses and their habitats.