ORLANDO, Fla. – SeaWorld Orlando is giving the world a first look at a newborn whiskered walrus baby that was born earlier this month.
The calf was welcomed to SeaWorld Orlando on June 3, when a 14-year old female, Kaboodle, gave birth to her first calf just after midnight.
According to SeaWorld, Kaboodle and her baby immediately began to bond and the pair remain close at all times, even snuggling with each other as they sleep.
Throughout her pregnancy the park’s animal husbandry and veterinary teams provided extensive pre-natal care and regular ultrasounds. The new arrival has already brought great joy to the teams, especially when mom and calf vocalize with each other.
Kaboodle’s calf is the first baby walrus born at SeaWorld Orlando.
Walrus populations have stabilized since 19th century commercial hunting was outlawed, but still face habitat challenges from warming temperatures and a thinning ice pack. SeaWorld Orlando has cared for orphaned walrus calves with the permission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has provided research assistance on the Pacific walrus and the impact of dwindling floating sea ice.
Calves are born with robust whiskers which aid in detecting the shellfish that are part of their diet. Both males and females have large tusks that used for defense, cutting through ice and getting out of the water.
Updates on the walrus calf will be posted to SeaWorld's Facebook and Instagram pages.
