Key Takeaways
- Who: Annautaq, a five-month-old rescued Pacific walrus calf weighing 220 pounds[cite: 1]
- Where: The Expedition Odyssey habitat at SeaWorld Orlando[cite: 2]
- Care: A 30-day quarantine with up to six daily bottle feedings[cite: 2]
- Herd: Joining resident walruses Uki, Kaboodle, and Garfield[cite: 2]
OPEN Brief: If you want the rescue background, the rehabilitation timeline, the daily care routine, and the herd details for the baby walrus at SeaWorld Orlando, this OPEN guide has the verified details in one place. Annautaq was found alone on a remote beach in Northern Alaska before rehabilitating at the Alaska SeaLife Center[cite: 1]. The calf moved to SeaWorld Orlando to join a surrogate herd because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined he could not survive in the wild[cite: 1]. OPEN also tracks the latest updates across the park on our SeaWorld Orlando hub.
What Is the Story Behind SeaWorld Orlando’s Rescued Walrus?
Annautaq is a five-month-old Pacific walrus calf rescued in Alaska and relocated to SeaWorld Orlando[cite: 1].
Wildlife research intern Violet Anniskett and U.S. Geological Survey scientist Tony Fischbach found the calf hiding on a remote Northern Alaska beach after his herd departed in heavy surf[cite: 1]. Anniskett named him Annautaq, which means “axe” in Iñupiaq, honoring her father’s name[cite: 1]. The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward provided his initial intensive care and stabilization[cite: 1].
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ruled the calf non-releasable because Pacific walruses rely on maternal care and milk for their first year of life[cite: 1]. Experts placed Annautaq at SeaWorld Orlando because it is one of only four institutions in the United States capable of housing walruses long-term[cite: 1]. Read more about the rescue partners at the Alaska SeaLife Center.
How Does SeaWorld Orlando Care for the Walrus Calf?
The calf receives 24-hour support, veterinary care, and six daily bottle feedings during a 30-day quarantine[cite: 2].
SeaWorld animal care and veterinary staff traveled to Alaska to prepare Annautaq for his 4,000-mile transport to Florida[cite: 1]. The team feeds him a specialized high-fat milk formula designed to mimic natural walrus milk[cite: 2]. SeaWorld has rescued more than 43,000 animals through its ongoing conservation initiatives[cite: 1].
The 30-day quarantine protects the health of the resident animals before introductions begin[cite: 2]. Curator Jim Kinsler states the team provides close contact and companionship around the clock to support the young calf’s social needs[cite: 2].
Which Other Walruses Live in the SeaWorld Orlando Herd?
Annautaq will join a herd of three other walruses at SeaWorld Orlando after his quarantine ends[cite: 2].
Orphaned calves achieve the best long-term outcomes when they can live with and learn from an established herd[cite: 2]. Here is how the resident roster breaks down.
| Walrus | Age | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Uki | 2 | Rescued in Alaska and rehabilitated at the Alaska SeaLife Center before moving to Florida[cite: 2]. |
| Kaboodle | 23 | Experienced mother and proven surrogate to rescued calves, including Uki[cite: 2]. |
| Garfield | 44 | Rescued as an orphaned male calf in Alaska and hand-raised at SeaWorld Orlando[cite: 2]. |
Where Can Guests See the Walrus Herd at SeaWorld Orlando?
Guests can see the resident walrus herd at the Expedition Odyssey animal habitat inside SeaWorld Orlando[cite: 2].
The animal care team will determine the exact timeline for Annautaq’s herd introductions and his public viewing debut[cite: 2]. In the meantime, guests can visit Expedition Odyssey to learn about walrus social bonds and physical features[cite: 2]. Find park maps and ticket information on the official SeaWorld website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the rescued walrus calf at SeaWorld Orlando weigh?
The rescued Pacific walrus calf at SeaWorld Orlando weighs approximately 220 pounds at five months old[cite: 1].
What does the name Annautaq mean?
Annautaq means “axe” in Iñupiaq, and the name was given by the local wildlife research intern who helped discover the orphaned calf[cite: 1].
How many animals has SeaWorld rescued?
SeaWorld has rescued more than 43,000 animals through its wildlife response and rehabilitation mission[cite: 1].
Status Brief
SeaWorld Orlando has taken in Annautaq, a 220-pound orphaned Pacific walrus calf from Alaska[cite: 1]. The calf is completing a 30-day quarantine with six daily bottle feedings before joining the park’s resident herd of three other walruses[cite: 2]. The animal care team will announce his public viewing timeline at a later date, but guests can view the rest of the herd at the Expedition Odyssey habitat today[cite: 2]. Read more about the park’s conservation efforts on the official SeaWorld page.
Follow the OPEN News Desk on X (Twitter) for real-time Central Florida theme park updates.
