Orphaned Alaskan walrus cub arrives at new home in Florida

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – An orphaned Pacific walrus cub that was rehabilitated in Seward is now resting peacefully in its new home in Florida.

Officials at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward said Wednesday that the young calf, named Ukiaq, meaning “autumn” in the Iñupiaq language, was welcomed by animal care specialists at SeaWorld Orlando.

Calf was initially found abandoned He was injured, dehydrated and abandoned by his herd on beaches near Utqiagvik on Alaska’s North Slope in late July.

The 220-pound calf was treated by the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program but was ultimately determined not to be able to be released back into the wild on its own.

It was later decided that Ukiaq would be moved to SeaWorld Orlando, and she arrived there on September 18.

Pacific walrus cub Ukiaq was adopted by the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward earlier this year. (Courtesy Kaiti Grant/Alaska SeaLife Center)(From Kaiti Grant/Alaska SeaLife Center)

“SeaWorld Orlando was chosen as Uki’s new home because the staff’s experience caring for walruses and the large walrus herd at SeaWorld Orlando provide the best nurturing environment for Uki’s overall care and development. This includes a female walrus that can be a surrogate mother for Uki,” the SeaLife Center said in a statement.

Walruses are among the rare patients of the wildlife intervention program. Only 11 cubs have been taken into the SeaLife Center since it opened in 1998.

The SeaLife Center notes that SeaWorld has helped more than 41,000 animals in need of special care to date, is “Humane Certified” by American Humane and has staff accredited by the Association of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

“Uki’s journey to SeaWorld Orlando is just the beginning of her new chapter,” Dr. Joseph Gaspard, Vice President of Zoological Operations for SeaWorld Orlando, said in a statement. “Our team is providing dedicated care 24/7 to ensure her transition is as smooth as possible.

“We want to give him time to settle into his new home and when he is ready, guests will have the opportunity to meet this remarkable calf and learn more about our conservation efforts in the Arctic.”