How do you pronounce Annautaq?
Ah-now-tuk.
Pacific walrus · Alaska
Annautaq
Annautaq is a Pacific walrus baby found alone on a remote Alaskan beach in September 2026. A wildlife research intern and a scientist spent several days looking after him before he could be taken to a rehabilitation center.
He’s now living at SeaWorld Orlando, where he’s receiving around-the-clock care, drinking up to six bottles of milk a day, and getting ready to meet three other walruses.
Meet Annautaq
- Species
- Pacific walrus
- Born
- Around April 2026
- Found
- Near Point Lay, Alaska
- Current home
- SeaWorld Orlando, Florida
- Weight
- 220 pounds (100 kg) when his arrival was announced in October 2026
- Daily routine
- Up to six bottles of milk, plenty of rest, and lots of attention
- Future roommates
- Uki, Kaboodle, and Garfield
Timeline
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September 2026
Found on an Alaskan beach. Wildlife research intern Violet Anniskett and Geological Survey scientist Tony Fischbach discover a walrus calf between the remains of two adult walruses near Point Lay, Alaska. The herd has already left, and the calf is alone. They guide him more than half a mile to an abandoned building, where they shelter with him for several days while waiting for help.
A name from Violet’s family. Violet names the calf Annautaq, meaning “axe” in Iñupiaq, in honor of her late father, who carried the same Iñupiaq name.
A trip to the Alaska SeaLife Center. With help from local community members and wildlife officials, Annautaq is flown to the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward. There, he receives specialized care and begins recovering. Wildlife officials later determine that he cannot safely return to the wild.
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October 1, 2026
A new home in Florida. Annautaq arrives at SeaWorld Orlando after a journey of roughly 4,000 miles. He receives round-the-clock care and six bottle feedings a day, using a specialized milk formula designed for young walruses.
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October 2026
Three future walrus companions. Annautaq begins settling into his new surroundings. After quarantine, his caregivers plan to gradually introduce him to Uki, a two-year-old rescued walrus, Kaboodle, an experienced mother, and Garfield, a 44-year-old walrus who was also rescued as a calf.
How Annautaq was found
In September 2026, wildlife research intern Violet Anniskett and Geological Survey scientist Tony Fischbach found a walrus calf between the remains of two adult walruses on a remote beach near Point Lay, Alaska.
The herd had left during rough weather, and the little calf was alone. Violet and Tony helped move him more than half a mile to an abandoned building, where they sheltered with him while waiting for help. For several days, they kept him safe and cared for him until arrangements could be made to fly him to the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward.
Violet named him Annautaq, which means “axe” in Iñupiaq. It was also her late father’s Iñupiaq name.
A 4,000-mile move
At the Alaska SeaLife Center, Annautaq received specialized care and gradually grew stronger.
But walrus calves need more than milk and medical attention. They normally spend their early years with their mothers, learning how to live alongside other walruses.
Because Annautaq couldn’t safely return to the wild, wildlife officials and animal care specialists arranged for him to move to SeaWorld Orlando, where he arrived on October 1, 2026.
That’s roughly 4,000 miles from Alaska to Florida. Quite a trip for someone who hadn’t even turned six months old.
Meet the neighbors
Annautaq has three future walrus companions waiting for him at SeaWorld Orlando.
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Uki, 2-year-old
Also rescued in Alaska as a calf and made the same journey to Florida.
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Kaboodle, 23-year-old
An experienced mother who has helped care for rescued calves, including Uki.
-
Garfield, 44-year-old
Was himself rescued as an orphaned calf in Alaska many years ago.
For now, Annautaq is receiving plenty of attention from his human caregivers. His introductions to the other walruses will happen gradually, once his care team decides he’s ready. Photos of the group are in the Alaska SeaLife Center story.
Annautaq in Pictures
A curious look at the camera, and a little moment by the window.
Photos via United Parks / SeaWorld Orlando.
Watch Annautaq
SeaWorld Orlando shared a video of the baby settling into care.
On phones, open the post below to watch on Instagram.
A little more about Annautaq
What does his name mean?
Annautaq means “axe” in Iñupiaq. Violet Anniskett named him after her late father.
Who is Annautaq?
Annautaq is a young Pacific walrus rescued near Point Lay, Alaska, in September 2026. After receiving care at the Alaska SeaLife Center, he moved to SeaWorld Orlando, where he is growing up under the care of animal specialists.
How was Annautaq rescued?
Wildlife research intern Violet Anniskett and USGS scientist Tony Fischbach found him alone on a remote beach. They helped him reach an abandoned building and cared for him for several days until he could be transported to the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Why can’t Annautaq return to the wild?
Walrus calves depend on their mothers for milk, protection, and learning important social behaviors. Wildlife officials determined that Annautaq could not safely be released.
Where is Annautaq now?
Annautaq lives at SeaWorld Orlando in Florida. He arrived on October 1, 2026, and is receiving specialized care while preparing to join the facility’s other walruses, including Uki, Kaboodle, and Garfield.
Can visitors see Annautaq at SeaWorld Orlando?
His public debut hasn’t been announced. His caregivers will decide when he’s ready to meet the other walruses and eventually visitors.
Follow Annautaq’s story
Photographs and updates from the teams who cared for him.
More animal profiles
Other animals with a story.
