On a remote beach near Point Lay, rescuers found a Pacific walrus calf wedged between the remains of two adult walruses after severe weather apparently scattered a nearby herd, leaving the orphaned animal in dire shape.
But the male calf made it through a rescue, an 800-plus-mile trip across Alaska, and weeks of intensive care before stabilizing and heading to a permanent home.
Here's what to know
In September, U.S. Geological Survey walrus biologist Tony Fischbach and Ilisagvik College student Violet Anniskett came across the calf in the Point Lay region. He was tucked among the remains of two adult walruses, where researchers located him after storm conditions had dispersed a nearby herd.
Federal wildlife officials approved the move, Your Alaska Link reported, with support from Point Lay's Native Village. Because the beach was so isolated, the calf couldn't get the specialized attention it needed there.
By the time he reached the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward on Sept. 14, the calf weighed nearly 200 pounds and was estimated to be about five months old. Staff noted dehydration and several superficial wounds, though he was alert and remained in good body condition.
The center said that after weeks of treatment, the calf was healthy enough to be moved to a permanent home.
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What's being done?
The first task was to stabilize the calf. Once he arrived at the Alaska SeaLife Center, staff began round-the-clock care, including feeding, veterinary treatment, and close human contact.
Staff could not begin that work until the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved the rescue. The effort also depended on help from the Native Village at Point Lay.
Recovery took time and careful oversight. The calf reached Seward dehydrated and injured but still alert, giving caregivers a starting point for treatment. From there, staff aimed to place him in a setting equipped to care for him after the immediate crisis passed.
Once his condition stabilized, the Alaska SeaLife Center said staff transferred the calf to a permanent home.
Where can I learn more?
The walrus calf's rescue is one example of how complicated it can be to save a young animal in distress.
• In New Jersey, rescuers faced a malnourished stranded seal pup that did not survive.
• On England's Brighton coast, caregivers nursed washed-up seal pups back to health.
• Off the Texas coast, marine biologists rescued a distressed dolphin calf just in time.
• Along the Atlantic, scientists tracked a decline in calves among endangered right whales.
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