Ukiaq, lovingly dubbed ‘Uki’ on social media, a seldom-seen orphaned Pacific walrus calf, has embarked on a new journey at SeaWorld Orlando following an incredible rescue from the Arctic. Uki was discovered hurt and abandoned in the Arctic last July, close to the isolated Alaskan village of Utqiagvik. At only a few weeks, she was in critical condition, dehydrated, starved, and scarred, having been kicked out of her herd. Calves of walruses usually remain with their mothers for a year to two years, so without urgent assistance, her prospects of survival were minimal.
24-Hour Rescue Mission
Once airlifted to the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), experts initiated a 24-hour rescue mission to salvage her life. Dr. Wei Ying Wong, President and CEO of ASLC, was optimistic, saying, “We watch her signs of improvement with cautious optimism and are pleased to be supported by our partners in providing the best possible care for her and all our wildlife response patients.”
She also recovered with help from the full-time caregivers in the ASLC, who behaved like surrogate mothers, bottle-fed her, did her laundry, and even snuggled up with her in bed. Specifically, Diana Hawke and Staci Owens became crucial to her initial recovery and provided emotional assistance and care.
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Uki Finds New Home in SeaWorld Orlando
Now a hale 350-pound walrus, Uki traveled to SeaWorld Orlando last fall in FedEx. At SeaWorld, the staff of Wild Arctic has continued its one-on-one specialized care. Due to the rarity of such facilities for animals like Uki, her transfer was necessary as she is unfit for wild life.
Dr. Joseph Gaspard, SeaWorld Orlando’s vice president of zoological operations, said, “Uki’s journey to SeaWorld Orlando is only the beginning of her new chapter.”
The transition for Uki has been handled gingerly using sleepovers, scent interactions, and brief trips to her new home. She will eventually become familiar with the park’s walrus pod, beginning with Kaboodle, a veteran walrus mother who has successfully nursed several calves. Uki is likely to go on public view later this month, which will further spread awareness regarding the significance of conserving aquatic life.
