AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 26, 2026
New Arrival: Annautaq the Pacific Walrus Calf
SeaWorld Orlando has welcomed a new member to its walrus herd—Annautaq, a five-month-old rescued Pacific walrus calf. Found alone and vulnerable on a remote beach in northern Alaska, Annautaq's journey to his new home highlights the importance of specialized marine mammal rehabilitation and underscores SeaWorld Orlando’s role as a leader in walrus care.
Discovery and Rescue in Northern Alaska
Researchers monitoring more than 30,000 walruses on a northern Alaskan beach discovered the young walrus calf nestled between the remains of two adults. Exhausted and left behind by his herd, Annautaq was in a precarious situation. His name, meaning “axe” in Iñupiaq, was chosen by Violet Anniskett, a wildlife research intern and local community member, who was part of the team to first discover the calf alongside U.S. Geological Survey scientist Tony Fischbach.
Challenges Facing Orphaned Walruses
According to Staci Owens, senior zoological specialist at SeaWorld Orlando, shifting sea ice has forced walruses to haul out in unfamiliar locations, increasing risks for calves like Annautaq. Orphaned walruses are particularly vulnerable and require immediate care. "When calves especially have to make that journey that far inland, they’re exhausted. This little guy most likely did not even know that his herd had retreated back to the water," Owens explained.
From Rehabilitation to a New Home
After local support and collaboration with federal wildlife officials, Annautaq was transported to the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward for intensive medical attention. SeaWorld Orlando sent its animal care and veterinary staff to assist with his rehabilitation and to help prepare him for the cross-country journey to Florida—a roughly 4,000-mile move. Jane Belovarac, wildlife response curator at the Alaska SeaLife Center, emphasized the importance of having specialized marine mammal rehabilitation resources in Alaska for cases like Annautaq's.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that Annautaq was non-releasable because Pacific walrus calves depend entirely on their mothers during the first year of life.
Joining the Walrus Herd at SeaWorld Orlando
Now under the care of SeaWorld Orlando's team—one of only four U.S. institutions able to house walruses—Annautaq is adjusting to his new surroundings. He currently receives round-the-clock care and up to six bottle feedings daily during a 30-day quarantine period. Weighing 252 pounds, Annautaq is expected to grow significantly, potentially reaching 5,000 pounds as an adult.
The park’s walrus herd includes Garfield, a 44-year-old rescued and hand-raised as an orphaned calf; Kaboodle, a 23-year-old experienced surrogate mother; and Uki, a 2-year-old rescued walrus calf who also came from the Alaska SeaLife Center. Owens noted that Uki will likely serve as Annautaq’s mentor as he adapts to his new environment.
A Leader in Walrus Care and Conservation
SeaWorld Orlando is home to four of only ten walruses living in the United States. The park’s continued efforts in walrus rescue, marine mammal rehabilitation, and wildlife conservation reinforce its reputation as a specialized center for warlus care. Public viewing of Annautaq will be determined by his care team, while guests can currently observe the walrus herd at the Expedition Odyssey habitat.
Source: clickorlando.com.
