Rescued baby walrus headed to Indy Zoo

Updated: Wednesday, 10 Oct 2012, 1:44 PM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 10 Oct 2012, 6:24 AM EDT

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A Pacific walrus calf rescued off a northern slope of Alaska will make its home at the Indianapolis Zoo.

The walrus was named Pakak, which means “one who gets into everything” in a particular Alaskan dialect. He has been cared for at the Alaska Sealife Center in Seward, Ala. after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife services rescued him and authorized human intervention.

Pakak was rescued when he was 250 pounds and an estimated 4-6 weeks old. Typically, a walrus calf stays with its mother for two years. Officials think the walrus was separated from a group of 1,000 walruses that moved through the area in July. Pakak was dehydrated and had lice when authorities intervened.

As part of zoo policy, Pakak will be quarantined for 30 days after arriving to the zoo later this week. Zoo officials hope he will be on exhibit for the public later this year.

See videos of Pakak below.

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