- A rare walrus calf has died after several days of intensive care from the Alaska SeaLife Center.
- Alaskan researchers prescribed him 24/7 care and cuddles to simulate maternal closeness.
A rare Pacific walrus calfdied Friday after receiving 24/7 care and cuddles from researchers following his rescue earlier this month.
The calf, 200 pounds and likely just one month old, was rescued by the Alaska SeaLife Center August 1 after worker crews found him alone four miles inland from the Beaufort Sea in northern Alaska. During the 11 days he spent with staff, the calf suffered from malnutrition and a potential infection.
In the hours leading up to his death, he began experiencing low blood sugar and gastrointestinal issues, the Alaska SeaLife Center wrote in an August 11 press release. Researchers will perform a necropsy in the coming days to further understand the cause of his death, the Center wrote.
"While often rewarding, wildlife rescue is inherently unpredictable and comes with it the possibility of great loss," the press release said. "For those that dedicate their lives to animal care, this is the hardest part of the job."
While he was at the Center, staff prescribed him round-the-clock care and cuddles to simulate the maternal closeness that walrus calves need during the first two years of their lives. On August 5, a spokesperson for the Center told Insider he had taken a bottle and was eating well.