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Two baby walruses hit it off instantly at SeaWorld Orlando. Aku, a rescued walrus calf from Alaska was introduced to Ginger, a walrus calf born at the park. The Animal Care Team described the heartwarming sight, saying the two babies inspected each other curiously at first and soon became attached at the hip. The duo now does everything together from bottle feeding to frolicking around the habitat and playing.
Ginger is the first walrus calf to be born at SeaWorld Orlando. She was born on June 3 to Kaboodle, a 14-year-old walrus at the park. A few weeks after Ginger’s birth, the Seaworld Orlando Animal Care and Veterinarian Teams discovered that she was not gaining enough weight. They then implemented around-the-clock care including bottle feedings, socialization and companionship, to ensure Ginger received enough nutrition and maintained a healthy life.
Aku was not born in the park, but was rescued and rehabilitated by the Alaska Sea Life Center (ASLC) in June. He was found on a gold mining dredge off the Alaska cost of Nome, abandoned by his mother. Aku was a mere two weeks old when he was found, and was deemed non-releasable by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
After Aku’s rehabilitation he was sent to SeaWorld Orlando, where he now enjoys playing with his best friend Ginger. This new formed friendship is a significant milestone, and the park hopes that their social bond and companionship will last for years to come. SeaWorld Orlando’s walrus program plays a vital role in educating the public about these incredible animals. The species is not yet listed as a threatened species, but since commercial hunting of Walruses was banned in the 19th century, their populations have stabilized. However, the significant loss of sea ice threatens future generations of Walruses.
Over the last 50 years, SeaWorld Orlando has raised 10 orphaned walrus calves through the permission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Ginger’s own father was even raised through the program. The SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has provided important information on the Pacific walrus along with the overall impact of the melting of floating sea ice.
Ginger and Aku’s new companionship will inspire park guests to learn more about the flubbery animals and growing environmental threats to their species. You can find the pair on the Walrus cam inside the Wild Arctic habitat when visiting SeaWorld Orlando.