Laura is a science news writer, covering a wide variety of subjects, but she is particularly fascinated by all things aquatic, paleontology, nanotechnology, and exploring how science influences daily life. Laura is a proud former resident of the New Jersey shore, a competitive swimmer, and a fierce defender of the Oxford comma.
ArticleBody:A team at the Alaska SeaLife Center is currently caring for a Pacific walrus calf. She was likely left behind by her herd in Utqiagvik, the northernmost city in Alaska, about 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle. According to ASLC, the animal is alert and “sassy” and only the 11th walrus and second female walrus patient since the center opened in 1998. A walrus admitted in summer 2023 grabbed headlines, but has since died from irreversible health issues.
staff received approval from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to assist in rescuing and caring for the new patient. The 800 mile journey back to the center in Seward took about 24-hours, with ASLC partners providing the roughly 165-pound baby with fluids along the way. The calf is estimated to be only a few weeks old or less and is now in the care of ASLC’s Wildlife Response and Veterinary teams.
Alaska SeaLife Center. Taking care of a Pacific walrus is a bit more damning than some other marine mammals. Their calves are highly social and get comfort through physical contact with their mothers. The staff will act as surrogates, sitting the baby around the clock. Since the calf will get used to human care, she won’t be a candidate for release back into the wild. 'Walruses are so reliant on their moms for the first two years of life, they're likely not going to survive without her.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ravn Alaska names new CEO, loses mileage-sharing agreement with Alaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines says it suspended the agreement over Ravn's recent “transition in leadership” to California businessman Tom Hsieh.
Read more »
Alaska Air eliminates some mileage redemption options, including for Ravn Alaska flightsGoing away: “Money & Miles” discounted tickets, the mileage instant-upgrade program, and a partnership that let travelers book tickets and redeem or accrue Alaska Airlines miles for Ravn Alaska flights.
Read more »
Chinese navy ships spotted in Alaska waters, prompting call for more arctic security by Alaska senatorAn Alaska lawmaker is pushing for more arctic security, after four People’s Republic of China military ships were seen this month in the Bering Sea.
Read more »
New Regional Public Safety Officers to serve rural AlaskaThe Alaska State Troopers announced three new Regional Public Safety Officers working in Northwest Alaska and Southeast Alaska.
Read more »
Alaska teacher apprenticeship program approval unlocks millions to fuel workforce pipelineAlaska tribal groups, the University of Alaska Anchorage and the Department of Labor teamed up to increase the number of Alaska-grown teachers.
Read more »
Hot news: abandoned bird's nest 'still there', reports professorFeedback, as ever bringing you the most up-to-date news from the floors of the National Roman Museum, can reveal that an abandoned nest has not been removed from the mouth of a statue, according to a visitor
Read more »