Watch: Orphaned baby walrus rescued in Alaska finds new home over 4,000 miles away in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla.– A 5-month-old, 220-pound walrus calf discovered orphaned in remote Alaska recently made the move to Florida to his new home in SeaWorld Orlando. 

He was discovered by Violet Anniskett, a wildlife research intern and local community member, and U.S. Geological Survey scientist Tony Fischbach on a remote beach in Northern Alaska after a walrus herd left the area during heavy surf. 

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There, he was found between two dead adult walruses, which were already being scavenged on by birds. 

Unlikely to survive on his own, Anniskett and Fischbach cared for him for several days before he was flown to Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, with help from locals and federal wildlife officials.

"The community supported Annautaq’s rehabilitation, knowing he would remain in human care and could help people better understand Pacific walruses," SeaWorld Orlando said. 

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He was named Annautaq by Anniskett, which means "axe" in Iñupiaq, in honor of her father’s Iñupiaq name.

Although he responded well to rehabilitation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined Annautaq couldn't be released back to the wild because Pacific walruses rely solely on their mothers’ milk for nutrition throughout their first year of life and depend on their mother for protection and the development of essential survival and social behaviors, SeaWorld said. 

Experts from the walrus care community worked together to evaluate Annautaq’s long-term needs and determine which home would be best for his future. 

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It was decided he would be placed at SeaWorld Orlando, where he could be guided by his long-term care and social needs, including the opportunity to grow up alongside other walruses.

SeaWorld Orlando has an existing walrus herd, which includes Uki, Kaboodle and Garfield. Uki is a 2-year-old rescued Pacific walrus and shares a similar story, coming from Alaska SeaLife Center. 

SeaWorld sent animal care and veterinary staff with experience of caring for walruses to Alaska to help provide intensive care alongside the Alaska SeaLife Center team and prepare Annautaq for his 4,000-mile journey to Florida.

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"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. "When an orphaned walrus calf is found in a remote part of the state, a successful response depends on being able to move quickly from rescue to intensive, species specific rehabilitative, husbandry, and veterinary care. Our team was able to stabilize Annautaq, support his medical and social needs around the clock and prepare him for the next stage of his care. Getting Annautaq to this point took an incredible network of people, and we’re proud the ASLC could provide the specialized care that helped carry him from rescue in Alaska to his next chapter."

Since arriving at SeaWorld Orlando, Annautaq has received around-the-clock care, including up to six bottle feedings a day, veterinary care and 24-hour support during a planned 30-day quarantine to help protect the health of SeaWorld Orlando's resident animals. 

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"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. "As he settles in, we’ll make introductions to 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."

After his rehabilitation period, Annautaq will join the herd when it's determined to be best for him, learning things only a walrus can teach.