In an exclusive story, a baby walrus was discovered orphaned and in a severely emaciated state on the shores of Utqiagvik, Alaska in July 2024. The young walrus, later named Uki, was found with shallow wounds all over her body and appeared dehydrated. Biologists and veterinarians swiftly intervened to rescue and rehabilitate her. The rescue efforts were successful, and now Uki is adjusting to her new home at SeaWorld Orlando in Florida.
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Upon the initial discovery of the female walrus calf on the Alaskan beaches, questions arose about her circumstances. With her being orphaned, experts speculated that her herd might have abandoned her or she could have been taken by humans and then escaped further inland. Prompt action was taken after civilians alerted the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, granting approval for the Alaska SeaLife Center to provide critical care for the baby walrus. At just a few weeks old, the calf urgently required assistance due to her emaciated and dehydrated condition, along with minor wounds.
A collaborative effort from leading walrus care facilities across the nation, including SeaWorld Orlando, the Indianapolis Zoo, and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, ensured Uki received the best care possible. Diana Hawke and Staci Owens from SeaWorld Orlando played pivotal roles in Uki’s recovery journey. Hawke, who established a unique bond with the walrus, took on a surrogate mother role by providing comfort, daily care, and enrichment activities for Uki. After receiving medical clearance, it was decided that SeaWorld Orlando would be the ideal place for Uki’s continued rehabilitation, given its expertise in caring for rescued walruses.
Transporting Uki from Alaska to Orlando was a complex operation that involved a FedEx plane normally used for consumer goods and a police escort. Once settled in at SeaWorld Orlando, Uki received round-the-clock attention as she acclimated to her new environment. The team at SeaWorld Orlando employed various strategies to integrate her with the rest of the walrus herd, ensuring a gradual and safe introduction process. Uki’s progress has been remarkable, with her weight almost tripling since her rescue, indicating positive development in her health.
Despite her challenging start in life, Uki has shown resilience and a spirited personality, described as “spicy” by her caretakers. As she continues to grow and thrive, Uki is set to join the SeaWorld walrus herd in the Expedition Odyssey habitat, where she will interact with other walruses. The care and dedication shown towards Uki’s recovery exemplify the commitment of wildlife experts to safeguard and rehabilitate vulnerable marine animals like her.
The heartwarming journey of Uki the baby walrus serves as a testament to the importance of conservation efforts and the compassionate care provided by dedicated wildlife professionals. Uki’s transformation from a fragile, orphaned calf to a thriving member of the walrus community at SeaWorld Orlando underscores the impact of collective rescue and rehabilitation initiatives in preserving marine wildlife diversity.