Orphaned baby walrus rescued in Alaska needed cuddles to survive — now she’s melting hearts at her new home in Florida
Moo Deng is so last year.
The newest cutie-patootie warming up to steal the social media spotlight is a rare orphaned Pacific walrus calf named Ukiaq — affectionately called “Uki” — rescued from the Arctic Ocean after being abandoned by her herd.
The brave girl was just weeks old when she was found dehydrated, malnourished and covered in exterior wounds — near the remote village of Utqiagvik, Alaska, last July.
In July 2024, a rare orphaned Pacific walrus calf named Ukiaq, lovingly nicknamed “Uki,” was found abandoned in the Arctic and brought back to health. Alaska Sealife Center
After being cared for extensively by experts at the Alaska SeaLife Center, the healthy toddler, who now weighs 350 pounds, is settling nicely into her new permanent residence — thousands of miles away at SeaWorld Orlando.
Flown down via FedEx with a full escort, Uki will reside at the popular theme park — one of just a few facilities in North America equipped to look after walruses like her who are deemed unable to survive in the wild.
Currently thriving under the continual care of dedicated handlers, she’s expected to make her first public appearance later this month — no doubt with some viral attention, like that recently given to a certain pygmy hippo from Thailand, sure to follow.
“We watch her signs of improvement with cautious optimism and are pleased to be supported by our partners in providing the best possible care for her and all our wildlife response patients,” Dr. Wei Ying Wong, President and CEO of Alaska SeaLife Center, said of Uki in a written statement.
Because walrus calves typically stay with their mothers for at least one to two years after birth, Uki’s survival depended on human surrogates — who not only bottle-fed her but also cuddled with her around the clock, mimicking the constant physical affection she would’ve received from her mom.
From preparing her formula and cleaning up after her, to snuggling up with her while she slept, the team at ASLC stepped in as foster moms — including Diana Hawke and Staci Owens, who provided comfort and enrichment during her initial recovery.
Uki’s caregivers not only bottle-fed her but also provided constant physical affection by cuddling with her around the clock, simulating the warmth and attention she would have gotten from her mother. Alaska Sealife Center
Now, she’s moved on to sunnier climes — with a bright future ahead.
“Uki’s journey to SeaWorld Orlando is only the beginning of her new chapter,” Dr. Joseph Gaspard, Vice President of Zoological Operations at SeaWorld Orlando, said in a statement.
Since arriving in Florida last fall, Uki has received devoted one-on-one care from SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic team, who have gradually acclimated her to the walrus habitat with short visits, sleepovers, and scent-based introductions to ease her transition.
Initially considered unsuitable for release by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the choice was made to relocate Uki to SeaWorld Orlando, one of just four places in North America capable of providing proper care for walruses. Alaska Sealife Center
Since arriving in Orlando on September 18 via FedEx cargo — accompanied by a SeaWorld vet and her Alaska caregiver — Uki has been under the watchful care of SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic team as she slowly meets the park’s walrus herd. Alaska Sealife Center
Uki, now tipping the scales at a robust 350 pounds, is adjusting well to her new caregivers and will soon make her grand debut. Alaska Sealife Center
The ultimate goal is to fully integrate her into the herd, beginning with Kaboodle — a seasoned walrus mom who’s raised multiple calves.
“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,” Gaspard said.
And she’s now so much more than a rescue — she’s a conservation symbol, too.
“Walrus are amazing ambassadors for the Arctic and an inspiration to all of us to be better stewards of the planet we all share,” said Dr. Chris Dold, SeaWorld’s Chief Zoological Officer.
