Rx for orphan walrus calf: touch, massage, cuddle, repeat

The calf was spotted in mid-June on the deck of a mining barge. The walrus was still on the barge the next morning and the barge crew summoned wildlife experts.

The SeaLife Center is dedicated to marine research and education and features a public aquarium. It’s the only facility in Alaska that holds a permit for marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation.

When the calf reached Seward on June 17, it weighed 120 pounds (54 kilograms) and was extremely lethargic.

“He was severely dehydrated,” Gibbins said. “That was really the first concern.”

The calf initially was fed with a tube down its throat that sent food directly to the stomach. It was considered a hopeful sign when the animal began bottle feeding about a week later.

The calf now sucks down up to a litre of formula seven times per day. As the calf rehydrated and recuperated, he became more active, curious and plump. He now weighs 143 pounds (65 kilograms).

“That’s a pretty dramatic change in a short time,” Gibbins said.

The cuddling is critical, Gibbins said.

“One of the unique things about walrus is that there is a very high level of maternal investment with a calf,” she said. “They are with their moms for two years in the wild.”

Twenty staff members have been trained to be with the little guy. He leans on them and sometimes lies on them. Sometimes he sucks their arms. Gibbins calls it nursing behaviour.

“An infant human might be sucking on your fingers. That’s what they’re doing,” she said.

Walrus have practical reasons for refined touching. They use their hundreds of short, highly sensitive whiskers to search for clams and other seafood on the ocean floor, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

A sea otter, ringed seal and two harbour seals also are receiving care. Most of the centre’s rehabbed animals return to the wild but the young walrus won’t be.

“We can care for this calf. We can take care of its health. We can give it some good social interaction. But we cannot teach that animal how to be an animal in the wild,” Gibbins said. “That’s why they’re non-releasable.”

No decision has been made on placement. The SeaLife Center will determine what facility can give it the best veterinary and social care.

“This walrus needs to be with other walrus,” she said. The centre expects to house the animal through summer and into the fall.

Dan Joling, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Rx for orphan walrus calf: touch, massage, cuddle, repeat

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