Uki, a very lucky orphaned Pacific walrus calf, has stolen the show after being rescued from the Arctic Ocean. Abandoned by her herd, the yearling walrus was discovered last July along the arctic coast near the remote village of Utqiagvik, Alaska. At only a few weeks old, she was found dehydrated, malnourished and full of superficial wounds, moving the stars into place for her rescue.
Their experts at the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) quickly mobilized to provide initial treatment to Uki. They mixed special formula to nourish her little body and lavished her with round-the-clock medical care. The ASLC team dedicated themselves to her recovery, cleaning her enclosure and ensuring she received comfort during her vulnerable moments. ASLC caregivers Diana Hawke and Staci Owens bonded with Uki while she snoozed. More important than that, they gave her the emotional support.
Conserving a zoo-born animal
After her rehabilitation, Uki began her long trip to her new home at SeaWorld Orlando. Her rescue and transition was accompanied by a FedEx flight under full escort—proof that no distance was too far in their dedication to saving her life. Uki is now living at one of the few facilities in North America able to offer walruses proper care. His care team SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic has committed to providing him individual, one-on-one care and attention.
Uki is getting used to her new home by enjoying short outings under her walrus care. She even has sleepovers there to get more acclimated. The animal care team staff at SeaWorld has helped her experience a wide range of scents. This sequential, step-by-step enrichment program allows her to adjust at her own pace. Uki is now a whopping 350 pounds! She’s scheduled to take her first public walkabout later this month!
“Uki’s journey to SeaWorld Orlando is only the beginning of her new chapter.” – Dr. Joseph Gaspard, Vice President of Zoological Operations at SeaWorld Orlando.
Dr. Gaspard wanted to highlight the tremendous collaborative work that’s led Uki to this stage.
“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.” – Dr. Joseph Gaspard.
Photos from Alaska SeaLife Center The Alaska SeaLife Center shared their excitement at Uki’s continued progress.
“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.” – Dr. Wei Ying Wong, President and CEO of Alaska SeaLife Center.
Uki is absolutely loving her new home! Through her inexhaustible spirit, she reminds us how vital wildlife conservation truly is.
“Walrus are amazing ambassadors for the Arctic and an inspiration to all of us to be better stewards of the planet we all share.” – Dr. Chris Dold, SeaWorld’s Chief Zoological Officer.
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