SeaWorld Orlando Welcomes Orphaned Pacific Walrus Calf Rescued in Alaska to New Home
SeaWorld Orlando has welcomed Ukiaq, an orphaned Pacific walrus calf rescued from Alaska, to its new home. The calf, found abandoned on the beaches of Utqiagvik, Alaska, received initial care at the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) before being transferred to SeaWorld Orlando on September 18. Weighing approximately 220 pounds, Ukiaq will receive specialized care from SeaWorld's animal care specialists and veterinarians.
SeaWorld Orlando was chosen for its experience with walrus care and the presence of a female walrus capable of acting as a surrogate. The park's team is providing 24/7 care to ensure a smooth transition for Ukiaq. While not immediately introduced to guest-facing habitats, Ukiaq will eventually serve as an ambassador for her species, educating the public on challenges faced by Pacific walruses in the wild.
SeaWorld Orlando ha accolto Ukiaq, un cucciolo di tricheco del Pacifico orfano salvato dall'Alaska, nella sua nuova casa. Il cucciolo, trovato abbandonato sulle spiagge di Utqiagvik, Alaska, ha ricevuto le prime cure presso l'Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) prima di essere trasferito a SeaWorld Orlando il 18 settembre. Pesando circa 220 libbre, Ukiaq riceverà cure specializzate dai professionisti della cura degli animali e dai veterinari di SeaWorld.
SeaWorld Orlando è stato scelto per la sua esperienza nella cura dei trichechi e per la presenza di una femmina di tricheco in grado di fungere da surrogata. Il team del parco fornisce assistenza 24 ore su 24, 7 giorni su 7, per garantire una transizione fluida per Ukiaq. Anche se non sarà immediatamente introdotta negli habitat visibili ai visitatori, Ukiaq servirà infine come ambasciatrice per la sua specie, educando il pubblico sulle sfide affrontate dai trichechi del Pacifico in natura.
SeaWorld Orlando ha dado la bienvenida a Ukiaq, un bebé de morsa del Pacífico huérfano rescatado de Alaska, a su nuevo hogar. El bebé, encontrado abandonado en las playas de Utqiagvik, Alaska, recibió atención inicial en el Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) antes de ser trasladado a SeaWorld Orlando el 18 de septiembre. Pesando aproximadamente 220 libras, Ukiaq recibirá atención especializada por parte de los especialistas en el cuidado de animales y veterinarios de SeaWorld.
SeaWorld Orlando fue elegido por su experiencia en el cuidado de morsas y la presencia de una hembra de morsa que puede actuar como madre de alquiler. El equipo del parque proporciona atención las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana, para garantizar una transición fluida para Ukiaq. Aunque no se le presentará inmediatamente a los hábitats visibles para los visitantes, Ukiaq eventualmente servirá como embajadora para su especie, educando al público sobre los desafíos que enfrentan las morsas del Pacífico en la naturaleza.
씨월드 올랜도는 알래스카에서 구조된 고아 태평양 바다코끼리 새끼 우키악을 새로운 집으로 맞이했습니다. 우키악은 알래스카 우트키아빅 해변에서 버려진 채 발견되었으며, 알래스카 해양 생물 센터(ASLC)에서 초기 치료를 받은 후 9월 18일에 씨월드 올랜도로 이송되었습니다. 약 220 파운드의 무게를 가진 우키악은 씨월드의 동물 치료 전문가와 수의사로부터 전문적인 치료를 받을 것입니다.
씨월드 올랜도는 바다코끼리 치료에 대한 경험과 대리모 역할을 할 수 있는 암컷 바다코끼리가 있다는 이유로 선택되었습니다. 공원 팀은 우키악이 부드럽게 적응할 수 있도록 24시간, 주 7일 돌봄을 제공합니다. 방문객이 볼 수 있는 서식지에 즉시 소개되지는 않겠지만, 우키악은 결국 그녀의 종의 대사로 역할을 하여 태평양 바다코끼리가 자연에서 직면하는 도전에 대해 대중을 교육할 것입니다.
SeaWorld Orlando a accueilli Ukiaq, un bébé morse du Pacifique orphelin sauvé en Alaska, dans son nouveau foyer. Le bébé, trouvé abandonné sur les plages d'Utqiagvik, en Alaska, a reçu des soins initiaux au Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) avant d'être transféré à SeaWorld Orlando le 18 septembre. Pesant environ 220 livres, Ukiaq recevra des soins spécialisés de la part des spécialistes de la prise en charge des animaux et des vétérinaires de SeaWorld.
SeaWorld Orlando a été choisi pour son expérience avec les morses et la présence d'une femelle morse capable d'agir en tant que mère de substitution. L'équipe du parc fournit des soins 24 heures sur 24, 7 jours sur 7, pour assurer une transition en douceur pour Ukiaq. Bien qu'elle ne soit pas immédiatement présentée dans des habitats visibles par les visiteurs, Ukiaq servira finalement d'ambassadrice pour sa espèce, éduquant le public sur les défis auxquels les morses du Pacifique sont confrontés dans la nature.
SeaWorld Orlando hat Ukiaq, ein verwaistes Pacific Walross-Kalb, das aus Alaska gerettet wurde, in seinem neuen Zuhause willkommen geheißen. Das Kalb, das an den Stränden von Utqiagvik, Alaska, aufgefunden wurde, erhielt zuerst Pflege im Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), bevor es am 18. September nach SeaWorld Orlando gebracht wurde. Mit einem Gewicht von etwa 220 Pfund wird Ukiaq von den Tierpflegern und Tierärzten von SeaWorld spezialisiert betreut.
SeaWorld Orlando wurde aufgrund seiner Erfahrung in der Walrosspflege und der Anwesenheit einer weiblichen Walross, die als Leihmutter fungieren kann, ausgewählt. Das Parkteam bietet rund um die Uhr Pflege an, um einen reibungslosen Übergang für Ukiaq zu gewährleisten. Auch wenn Ukiaq nicht sofort in Besucher-hinweisbare Lebensräume eingeführt wird, wird sie letztendlich als Botschafterin ihrer Art fungieren und die Öffentlichkeit über die Herausforderungen aufklären, denen die pazifischen Walrosse in der Wildnis gegenüberstehen.
- SeaWorld Orlando's expertise in walrus care led to its selection as Ukiaq's new home
- The park has a female walrus capable of acting as a surrogate for Ukiaq
- Ukiaq will serve as an ambassador for her species, potentially increasing public awareness and education
- None.
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After receiving life-saving rehabilitative care from the ASLC and being deemed non-releasable by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), Uki arrived at her long-term home SeaWorld Orlando on September 18, weighing approximately 220 pounds and ready to continue her care. SeaWorld Orlando was chosen as Uki's new home because of the staff's experience with walrus care, and the overall walrus herd at SeaWorld Orlando allows for the best nurturing environment for her overall care and development, including a female walrus that is capable of acting as a surrogate to Uki.
The specialized care Uki is receiving at SeaWorld is part of the park's long-standing commitment to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. SeaWorld's animal care specialists are working closely with veterinarians to ensure Uki's needs continue to be met, including a carefully crafted feeding plan and ongoing medical evaluations.
While Uki's arrival is a heartwarming milestone, she will not be introduced to SeaWorld Orlando's guest-facing habitats immediately. The young walrus will spend time acclimating to her new surroundings and receiving the round-the-clock care necessary to support her growth and well-being.
"Uki's journey to SeaWorld Orlando is only the beginning of her new chapter. Our team is providing dedicated, 24/7 care to ensure her transition is as smooth as possible," said Dr. Joseph Gaspard, Vice President of Zoological Operations at SeaWorld Orlando. "We want to give her time to settle into her new home, and once she's ready, guests will have the unique opportunity to meet this extraordinary calf and learn more about our conservation efforts in the Arctic region."
Uki was first discovered by Utqiagvik community members in July 2024, after a walrus herd had left the area. Alone and vulnerable, the young calf, estimated to be only a few weeks old, was transported to the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) in a rescue operation in coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). She received immediate medical care for dehydration and malnourishment from the Alaska SeaLife Center's expert team, and additional professionals familiar with walrus care, including SeaWorld, mobilized to provide additional support for her round-the-clock care.
"We are proud to have been able to quickly respond to the call for help, getting a zoological team with expertise in walrus care to the Alaska SeaLife Center within 24 hours of the calf's rescue," said Dr. Claire Erlacher-Reid, Senior Veterinarian at SeaWorld Orlando. "Uki's story of survival is a testament to the importance of partnerships and rapid response in wildlife rescue, and we are committed to providing her with the highest level of care as she continues her journey here at SeaWorld Orlando."
"We are thrilled by the progress this walrus calf has made since her admission to the Alaska SeaLife Center Wildlife Response Program. As just the eleventh orphaned Pacific walrus calf to come through our doors since our opening 25 years ago, we recognize how incredibly special she is. Success stories like Ukiaq is what inspires us, the only organization authorized to rehabilitate live-stranded marine mammals in the state of
Uki's story of survival continues to highlight the importance of global collaboration in marine mammal rescue. "From the Utqiagvik community members who first found her, to the tireless efforts of the ASLC team, and now to our family here at SeaWorld Orlando, Uki has been surrounded by people committed to giving her a second chance," said Dr. Gaspard.
As she grows stronger in her new home, Uki will play an essential role as an ambassador for her species, educating the public on the challenges Pacific walruses face in the wild. Her story, like many other animals rescued by SeaWorld Orlando, emphasizes the park's ongoing mission to inspire action toward the protection and preservation of marine life.
About SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life-themed rides and attractions, special events, and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 41,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than
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SOURCE SeaWorld Orlando
FAQ
What is the name and origin of the rescued Pacific walrus calf at SeaWorld Orlando?
When did Ukiaq arrive at SeaWorld Orlando and what was her condition?
Why was SeaWorld Orlando chosen as Ukiaq's new home?
Will visitors to SeaWorld Orlando be able to see Ukiaq immediately?
