Two-month-old Kaya has become the first walrus calf to be born in the Middle East or North Africa, a historic event for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and the zoological industry. Kaya was born to 23-year-old walrus Smooshi, who was closely monitored by specialists throughout her approximately 15-month gestation period.
Scott McCoy, the park’s senior zoological director, described Kaya’s birth as a "huge milestone" not only for SeaWorld but for zoological institutions worldwide. Kaya is currently small but is expected to gain nearly a kilo per day under the care of staff and her attentive mother. Adult walruses typically weigh up to 1.5 tonnes.
Smooshi is part of a group of five walruses at the facility on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. McCoy noted that walruses are very social animals, and prior to Kaya's birth, Smooshi spent much time interacting with trainers through play and enrichment activities. Since Kaya's arrival, Smooshi has quickly bonded with her calf.
Walruses are native to the Arctic Ocean and areas around the North Pole, where they are commonly seen resting on ice and communicating vocally. Kaya now joins other species such as penguins and dolphins at the Yas Island facility.
Loading comments.