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ORLANDO,
Fla., Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/
-- SeaWorld Orlando is grateful to welcome a rare rescued
Pacific walrus calf from the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), now
under the expert care of SeaWorld Orlando's renowned animal care
specialists. The calf, which was found orphaned and abandoned on
the beaches of Utqiagvik, Alaska,
has been named Ukiaq, which translates to "autumn" in the
language of the Iñupiaq people who live in the area of northern
Alaska where she was first found.
Ukiaq – or Uki (pronounced "oo-kee") as she is affectionately being
called – brings the Alaskan spirit with her to Orlando, honoring the rich culture and
traditions of the Alaskan Native peoples.
After receiving life-saving rehabilitative care from the ASLC
and being deemed non-releasable by the United States Fish &
Wildlife Service (USFWS), Uki arrived at her long-term home
SeaWorld Orlando on September 18,
weighing approximately 220 pounds and ready to continue her care.
SeaWorld Orlando was chosen as Uki's new home because of the
staff's experience with walrus care, and the overall walrus herd at
SeaWorld Orlando allows for the best nurturing environment for her
overall care and development, including a female walrus that is
capable of acting as a surrogate to Uki.
The specialized care Uki is receiving at SeaWorld is part of the
park's long-standing commitment to wildlife rescue and
rehabilitation. SeaWorld's animal care specialists are working
closely with veterinarians to ensure Uki's needs continue to be
met, including a carefully crafted feeding plan and ongoing medical
evaluations.
While Uki's arrival is a heartwarming milestone, she will not be
introduced to SeaWorld Orlando's guest-facing habitats immediately.
The young walrus will spend time acclimating to her new
surroundings and receiving the round-the-clock care necessary to
support her growth and well-being.
"Uki's journey to SeaWorld Orlando is only the beginning of her
new chapter. Our team is providing dedicated, 24/7 care to ensure
her transition is as smooth as possible," said Dr. Joseph Gaspard, Vice President of Zoological
Operations at SeaWorld Orlando. "We want to give her time to settle
into her new home, and once she's ready, guests will have the
unique opportunity to meet this extraordinary calf and learn more
about our conservation efforts in the Arctic region."
Uki was first discovered by Utqiagvik community members in
July 2024, after a walrus herd had
left the area. Alone and vulnerable, the young calf, estimated to
be only a few weeks old, was transported to the Alaska SeaLife
Center (ASLC) in a rescue operation in coordination with the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). She received immediate
medical care for dehydration and malnourishment from the Alaska
SeaLife Center's expert team, and additional professionals familiar
with walrus care, including SeaWorld, mobilized to provide
additional support for her round-the-clock care.
"We are proud to have been able to quickly respond to the call
for help, getting a zoological team with expertise in walrus care
to the Alaska SeaLife Center within 24 hours of the calf's rescue,"
said Dr. Claire Erlacher-Reid,
Senior Veterinarian at SeaWorld Orlando. "Uki's story of survival
is a testament to the importance of partnerships and rapid response
in wildlife rescue, and we are committed to providing her with the
highest level of care as she continues her journey here at SeaWorld
Orlando."
"We are thrilled by the progress this walrus calf has made since
her admission to the Alaska SeaLife Center Wildlife Response
Program. As just the eleventh orphaned Pacific walrus calf to come
through our doors since our opening 25 years ago, we recognize how
incredibly special she is. Success stories like Ukiaq is what
inspires us, the only organization authorized to rehabilitate
live-stranded marine mammals in the state of Alaska," said Dr. Wei
Ying Wong, ASLC President and CEO.
Uki's story of survival continues to highlight the importance of
global collaboration in marine mammal rescue. "From the Utqiagvik
community members who first found her, to the tireless efforts of
the ASLC team, and now to our family here at SeaWorld Orlando, Uki
has been surrounded by people committed to giving her a second
chance," said Dr. Gaspard.
As she grows stronger in her new home, Uki will play an
essential role as an ambassador for her species, educating the
public on the challenges Pacific walruses face in the wild. Her
story, like many other animals rescued by SeaWorld Orlando,
emphasizes the park's ongoing mission to inspire action toward the
protection and preservation of marine life.
About SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a leading marine life
theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides
experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all
ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every
year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close
animal encounters and year-round educational programs to
award-winning marine-life-themed rides and attractions, special
events, and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld
has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its
parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that
is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the
Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association
of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal
rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 41,000 animals
to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation
established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to
advance critical research on every continent. A portion of
park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding
conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San
Antonio, San Diego, and
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
(UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc.
(NYSE:PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information,
visit us at SeaWorld.com.
Media
Contact:
SWO-PR@seaworld.com
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SOURCE SeaWorld Orlando