Researchers in Alaska rescued a walrus too young to be away from his mother. Now, his treatment plan includes 24/7 care and cuddles.
- An Alaskan wildlife center rescued a one-month-old, 200-pound Pacific walrus calf this week.
- The young animal has been prescribed round-the-clock cuddles from staff to simulate maternal closeness.
A Pacific walrus calf — just one month old — found himself far away from home and his mom after he arrived at an Alaskan wildlife center.
Now, to make sure the young calf grows up strong and healthy, his new caretakers have prescribed him round-the-clock care and cuddles.
The walrus calf was first rescued in northern Alaska on Aug. 1 after workers on the coast spotted him all alone, four miles inland from the Beaufort Sea, the Alaska SeaLife Center reported in a press release. Staff brought the 200-pound calf to their center and discovered he was suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, and a potential infection.
While he'll be receiving 24-7 medical care at the center, the staff are also prioritizing cuddles with the young calf in order to simulate maternal closeness. Cuddles are essential to his health as the creatures typically don't leave their mother's side for their first two years, according to the Center.
"It isn't often that we're able to admit a walrus calf, but every time we do, we learn more about the species and how to care for them," Jane Belovarac, Alaska SeaLife Center Wildlife Response Curator, wrote in the press release.
As of August 5, a spokesperson for the Alaska SeaLife Center told Insider that the calf has already taken a bottle and continues to eat well.