Meet the Walruses of Wild Arctic
December 8, 2020
Hi there! My name is Dillion, and I am part of the content team here at SeaWorld Orlando. Over the years, I have been able to work closely with many members of our incredible zoological team and our animal ambassadors. I am fortunate that I was able to combine my career with something I am passionate about and work for a company whose education and conservation efforts make me proud.
In our minds, there isn’t just a week dedicated to walruses, because we strive to bring awareness to these amazing animals every day. If you haven’t had the chance to meet the walruses of Wild Arctic, allow me to introduce them!
Now that you have been introduced to our walrus family at Wild Arctic, here is a quick list of five interesting walrus facts that could easily come up in small talk (at least in our world).
There’s a reason SeaWorld started Walrus Awareness Week: It helps us expand our commitment to educational walrus experiences and raise more awareness of the threats they face. Next time you visit SeaWorld Orlando, make sure you stop by Wild Arctic to learn more about these incredible animals and the efforts you can take to aid in their survival.
In our minds, there isn’t just a week dedicated to walruses, because we strive to bring awareness to these amazing animals every day. If you haven’t had the chance to meet the walruses of Wild Arctic, allow me to introduce them!
Garfield
- Rescued in May of 1982
- Orphaned calf hand-raised at SeaWorld Orlando
Kaboodle
- Born May 1, 2003 at SeaWorld San Diego
- Distinguished long crossed tusks (see image above)
Kora
- Born July 3, 2019, to mom Kaboodle
- The cutest baby walrus
Aurora
- Rescued on May 26, 1995 in Barrow, Alaska
- Named for the Aurora Borealis (also known as the Northern Lights)
Now that you have been introduced to our walrus family at Wild Arctic, here is a quick list of five interesting walrus facts that could easily come up in small talk (at least in our world).
- Walruses are pinnipeds, a scientific classification that also includes seals and sea lions.
- Walrus flippers are hairless. The skin on the soles of the walrus' flippers is thick and rough, providing traction on land and ice.
- A walrus has about 400 to 700 vibrissae (whiskers) in 13 to 15 rows on its snout. Vibrissae are attached to muscles and are supplied with blood and nerves.
- Most walruses have 18 teeth. A walrus' upper canine teeth have developed into long ivory tusks.
- The ears of a walrus are located just behind the eyes. They are small inconspicuous openings with no external ear flaps.
There’s a reason SeaWorld started Walrus Awareness Week: It helps us expand our commitment to educational walrus experiences and raise more awareness of the threats they face. Next time you visit SeaWorld Orlando, make sure you stop by Wild Arctic to learn more about these incredible animals and the efforts you can take to aid in their survival.