Walruses

Walruses inhabit the Arctic Sea, both Pacific and Atlantic. Most walruses live where the air temperature is about 5° to 41°F. They are very distinctive having a large body that is usually reddish-brown in color. On their head region, walruses lack external ear flaps, have hundreds of short, vibrissae (whiskers) and possess large tusks. They feed mostly on clams, but also enjoy sea snails, sea cucumbers, squids and crabs.

Walruses are one of the largest members of the pinniped family which include all seals, sea lions and walruses. Climate conditions in recent years have impacted the ice conditions that walruses use to haul out. Scientists are concerned this could negatively impact walrus populations.

Meet the Walruses

Chou Chou

Chou Chou is a 10-year-old female Pacific walrus who joined the SeaWorld walrus huddle in 2016, after being transferred from a zoological facility in Japan. Chou Chou is currently participating in a research study to help scientists learn more about walruses’ hearing threshold. She chooses between cuddling with Uq Uq or Dozer overnight, and many times she does not want to get out of “bed” for breakfast.

Uq Uq

Uq Uq is a 26-year-old female who joined the SeaWorld walrus huddle in 2017. Most mornings, “Uq” can be found cuddling with Chou Chou. When she hears trainers in the area, she will usually get up and “greet” them walrus style (with vocalizations and her nostrils open).

Dozer

Dozer is the largest walrus at SeaWorld San Diego and one of only two breeding males in North America. He is easily recognizable at 3,600 lbs. and with a full set of tusks! He was born here in 1993, but has spent time at all three SeaWorld parks. Dozer is a favorite among the trainers because of his gentle personality and rugged good looks!

Basa

Basa is our oldest walrus at 37 years old. She joined us in 2019 from our partners at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and immediately fit right in with our huddle. Basa uses her sensitive vibrissae to navigate around her environment and even uses them to recognize specific shapes during training sessions. We find that she chooses to sleep extra late at least once a week to catch some z’s and to have more snuggle time with her friend, Kulu.

Kulu

Kulu is a 1,300 pound, 26-year-old female. She joined SeaWorld’s walrus huddle in 2019 along with her companion Basa from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. Kulu can often be seen swimming under the waterfalls in the exhibit, letting the water splash in her vibrissae.

Mitik

SeaWorld San Diego is currently home to a walrus named Mitik who was rescued in 2021. Stranded as a pup, Mitik was cared for by our Wild Arctic staff and is now almost fully grown and weighs 2100 lbs.