Orphaned Baby Walruses Get Love, Care, and a Second Chance at Special Alaska Center

Where do orphaned baby walruses go? It may not be a question you’ve asked before, but these marine mammals need very special care. Walrus calves usually spend the first two years of their lives with their mothers, so if they become separated, their chances of survival are slim.

That’s where the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska, comes in. It’s the only facility in the United States that takes in walrus pups. When they arrive, the calves are bottle-fed every four hours and require round-the-clock care. Walruses are highly social and tactile, so the pups snuggle with other orphans or with their human caregivers.

Here’s a clip from PBS’ “Walrus: Life on Thin Ice” showing a one-week-old orphaned baby walrus getting a second chance at life.

Take a look at more behind the scenes on how these baby animals get cared for.

The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward has been caring for two orphaned walruses in recent months. The animals, named Pakak and Mitik, require around-the-clock care and seek out frequent contact with their caregivers.

Sign up to get a daily dose of positivity delivered right to your inbox with our newsletter.