It’s pretty difficult to see a walrus. In fact chances are that you don’t live anywhere near an accredited AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) facility that has a walrus. Luckily we do, and we had the chance to visit the walrus at the Indianapolis Zoo!
The Indianapolis Zoo is one of just five AZA-accredited facilities in the United States that have walruses. It joins the New York Aquarium, Port Defiance Zoo (Tacoma, Washington), and two Sea World locations (Orlando and San Diego) as the others that host these magnificent animals.
At our most recent visit to the Indianapolis Zoo, we sat in on a walrus keeper chat given by Olivia, an interpreter at the zoo. While Olivia told us stories about their two walruses, Aurora and Pakak, two animal care specialists carried on a training session with them behind the glass. The walrus exhibit at Indianapolis has bleacher seating by the underwater viewing window. Olivia spoke into a microphone with speakers all around so that passers by could hear her talk. Viewing is also available up the path to see the walruses in an obstructed view from above the water.
Aurora and Pakak
The zoo’s two walruses are Aurora and Pakak. They are two of just 13 walruses in captivity in the US. Aurora, a female, is in her 20s, and is still a candidate for breeding. Breeding walruses is very difficult, and walrus births in captivity are quite rare. Pakak, the male, is six years old and is about to enter the reproductive window for males. Typically males can reproduce from seven-to-nine years of age. There is hope, however, that Pakak can breed in the next 12 months. Aurora could potentially be moved to a different zoo to potentially breed elsewhere if Pakak is not able to reproduce.
Identifying Pakak from Aurora is quite easy, as only Pakak has tusks. This isn’t biological, however, as females typically do have tusks. Aurora had her tusks removed due to medical reasons. Pakak has lived at the Indianapolis Zoo almost his entire life after being rescued. He was stranded in Alaska, and has since made Indianapolis his permanent home.
Training
The training session that we watched showcased many different behaviors. The 1,500 pound walruses have the choice to participate, and both did willingly during our visit. According to Olivia, these training sessions help prepare the walruses for vet visits, routine checkups, and potentially emergency situations. The training took place on land, where the walruses were comfortable for several minutes. Soon after they plunged back into the 40 degree water.
Saying Goodbye
At the end of the day, we stopped back at the walrus exhibit for a third time to say goodbye to these giant creatures. As if sensing our departure, Pakak came belly up against the glass, slapping his large flipper hard against the glass in a waving motion. It was the perfect end to our visit with the walruses.
We hope to get back to Indianapolis this summer for a visit. If we can’t, we would have to travel over 700 miles to find the next nearest walrus exhibit!
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