From Alaska beach to Orlando: Rescued walrus calf finds home at SeaWorld

SeaWorld Orlando has added another rescued Pacific walrus calf to its growing herd.The theme park announced Wednesday the arrival of Annautaq (pronounced “ah-now-tuq”), a rescued five-month-old Pacific walrus calf found alone on a remote beach in northern Alaska. Weighing approximately 220 pounds, Annautaq is now receiving around-the-clock care from SeaWorld Orlando’s animal care and veterinary team — one of only four U.S. institutions currently capable of housing walruses.Annautaq’s name, meaning “axe” in Iñupiaq, was given by Violet Anniskett, a wildlife research intern and local community member who helped discover the calf alongside U.S. Geological Survey scientist Tony Fischbach. The pair found him hiding between the remains of two adult walruses, already being targeted by scavenging birds, according to a news release. After several days of on-site care, community support and coordination with federal wildlife officials, Annautaq was flown to the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward fo