Orphaned Walrus Pup Died From Malnutrition, Health Issues After Being Rescued in Alaska

A month-old and orphaned walrus died due to malnutrition and health issues. The animal was rescued after it was found roaming in Northern Alaska.

How the walrus calf managed to travel near the Beaufort Sea is still unknown.

Before the rare Pacific walrus calf passed away, the animal was given 24/7 care and cuddles that could help him.

The walrus calf was found on August 1. The animal with poor health conditions was immediately brought to the Alaska SeaLife Center. The walrus pup suffered from health concerns, including malnutrition and gastrointestinal issues.

Walrus pup died due to health complications

(Photo : by JOHAN NILSSON/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images)
Walrus. An orphaned walrus pup died due to health issues and malnutrition. The walrus was found roaming around over Northern Alaska. The animal was given 24/7 care and cuddled before it passed away.

According to Alaska's Sea Life Center's press release, the arrival of the walrus pup was recorded as the first patient in the center for about four years.

The orphaned walrus calf was estimated to be about 200 pounds.

The center exhausted everything to save the rare Pacific walrus from health complications. As mentioned, the animal suffered from cloudy eyes, malnutrition and dehydration.

The location of the walrus pup was unusual after workers over Alaska's North Slope discovered it. The population of walrus is known to stay over the western coastline.

Young calf requires maternal care for the first two years. The orphaned calf would find it difficult to survive and could likely suffer from malnutrition.

The walrus pup received around-the-clock cuddling to deal with the lack of maternal care.

Also Read: California Endangered Animals: New Pack of Gray Wolves Found in Sierra Nevada

More facts about the Pacific Walrus

The Pacific walrus population can be found in areas in Chukchi, Bering Seas, Beaufort Seas, Russia and Alaska, according to the Alaska Department of Fish.

Female walrus weigh up to a ton, while males can reach two tons. The animal can live up to 40 years.

Walrus also has two noticeable ivory tusks. It helps them to move around and fight possible attackers or predators. Their common predators are polar bears and killer whales.

They may look heavy, but they use impressive whiskers to look for possible food or prey. Walrus can consume sea cucumbers, clams and other small aquatic animals.

Unlike the recently found walrus, they are known for being social animals that come together as groups. In terms of the female walrus, they take care of their calf for about two years.

The following threatens the population of Pacific Walrus:

Lost of sea ice
Pollution
Boat collision
Predation
Fishing gear entanglement

Climate change can affect the sea ice in the areas where the walrus population thrives. Global warming is a culprit in the recession of sea ice. When ice retreats, walrus can travel to farther areas.

During the winter season, walrus can travel to the Bering Sea. They move to the Chukchi Sea in spring to find food or feed.