We are heartbroken to share that the walrus calf admitted to the ASLC Wildlife Response Program on August 1, 2023, passed away this morning after his condition took a turn for the worse.

Since his arrival, he had been struggling with a number of serious health concerns on top of nutrient malabsorption, which can make treatment difficult to stay ahead of. Dr. Carrie, ASLC Director of Animal Health, explains that the calf was struggling with multiple complications, including hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal problems, in the 24 hours leading up to his passing.

Though our animal care teams worked tirelessly to provide round-the-clock critical care treatments, never leaving his side, the calf ultimately succumbed to his condition. A necropsy will be conducted in the days following to further understand the cause of death.

While often rewarding, wildlife rescue is inherently unpredictable and comes with it the possibility of great loss. For those that dedicate their lives to animal care, this is the hardest part of the job. We appreciate your understanding as the Center and its staff mourn, and we thank you for the outpouring of support that has come our way since this patient’s admission.

Read more infromation about his admit to the ASLC Widlife Response Program here.

Read more about the ASLC's Wildilfe Response Program that made responding to this orphaned calf possible here.