Alaska News

Rescued walrus calf dies at Seward rehabilitation center

One of three Pacific walrus calves found abandoned on an Arctic Ocean beach last month has died.

Alaska SeaLife Center President Tara Riemer Jones on Thursday said the calf brought to the Seward aquarium July 30 died about a day later.

The center says the calf, which weighed just 161 pounds, died of multiple complications that included severe malnutrition, dehydration, and systemic illness.

She says one other remains in critical condition but the third is healthy enough to be moved to a public display area.

The largest calf came in at 258 pounds. All three were males and believed to be part of a group that floated on ice past Barrow, the nation's northernmost city, on July 17.

The Coast Guard flew the walruses to Anchorage in large kennels and they were transported 125 miles south to Seward.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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By DAN JOLING

Associated Press

Dan Joling, Associated Press

Dan Joling is a reporter for the Associated Press based in Anchorage.

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