A 234-pound baby walrus has arrived at the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn.
The 15-week mammal was rescued from the ocean off Alaska in July. The aquarium welcomed the new walrus, named Mitik, on Thursday.
The Coney Island aquarium, run by the Wildlife Conservation Society, is only one of a few institutions in the country that exhibit walruses. It has two other walruses. Nuka is 30 years old and Kulu is 17.
Mitik was found by a hunting vessel several miles offshore. Initially, he suffered from bladder problems and was unable to take a bottle. The Alaska Sea Life Center says he's now putting on a pound a day.
He was rescued with another orphaned male calf, Pakak, who will be sent to the Indianapolis Zoo.
Mitik has been showing signs of improvement thanks to the dedication and expertise of the Alaska SeaLife Center team, New York Aquarium staff on-site, and the Indianapolis Zoo staff all working together,” said WCS Vice President and New York Aquarium Director Jon Forrest Dohlin. “He is not out of the woods yet, but we are hopeful he will make a full recovery."
Baby Walrus Arrives at New York Aquarium
Baby Mitik was rescued from the ocean off Alaska in July.
Mitik will spend the first month in quarantine at the aquarium's medical facility. He will join the exhibit next spring.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
