Adorable baby walrus dies despite round-the-clock effort to save it in Alaska

Update: The baby walrus died Friday, Aug. 11, despite efforts to save its life, the Alaska SeaLife Center reported. The walrus had multiple serious medical issues before its death, officials said. “We are heartbroken,” officials said.. “This is the hardest part of the job.”

The original story is below.

A 200-pound baby walrus found alone by Alaska oil workers is now receiving constant care, the Alaska SeaLife Center reported.

Workers found the rare Pacific walrus calf Aug. 1 on Alaska’s North Slope about 4 miles inland from the Beaufort Sea, the center said in a news release.

“Walrus calves depend on maternal care for their first two years of life, and with no adults in the vicinity, it was apparent that the wayward calf would not survive long without intervention,” the center said.

The center arranged with Alaska Clean Seas and ConocoPhillips Alaska to shelter and transport the baby walrus, the release said.

The oil company provided an airplane to take the walrus to the center for 24-hour care.

“Walruses are highly tactile and social animals, receiving near-constant care from their mothers during the first two years of life,” the center said. “To emulate this maternal closeness, round-the-clock ‘cuddling’ is being provided to ensure the calf remains calm and develops in a healthy manner.”

The walrus calf isn’t on public view yet but as its condition improves limited public viewing may be allowed.

“ConocoPhillips is honored that we were able to assist with the rescue and transportation of the young walrus,” said Erec Isaacson, ConocoPhillips Alaska president. “This is an example of a network of caring neighbors who work together for the best possible outcomes.”

Before approaching an injured or stranded marine animal in Alaska, call the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-7325.

This story was originally published August 6, 2023 at 2:14 PM with the headline "Adorable baby walrus dies despite round-the-clock effort to save it in Alaska."