Meet Kaboodle & Her New Bundle Of Joy At SeaWorld Orlando
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ORLANDO (CBSMiami) – There's a new resident at SeaWorld Orlando who is taking the cute factor off the charts.
It's a baby walrus, born at the marine park on June 3rd to mother Kaboodle. This is Kaboodle's first calf and the two began to immediately bond after birth.
The pair remain close at all times, even snuggling with each other as they sleep.
Kaboodle's calf is the first baby walrus born at SeaWorld Orlando.
The park's walrus program plays an important role in educating the public about these animals. While walruses are not yet listed as a threatened species, they have been affected due to global climate change. Kaboodle and her calf will soon inspire park guests to learn more about the plight of walruses in the wild.
Walrus populations have stabilized since 19th century commercial hunting was outlawed, but still face habitat challenges from warming temperatures and a thinning ice pack. SeaWorld Orlando has cared for orphaned walrus calves with the permission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has provided research assistance on the Pacific walrus and the impact of dwindling floating sea ice.
Calves are born with robust whiskers which aid in detecting the shellfish that are part of their diet. Both males and females have large tusks that used for defense, cutting through ice and getting out of the water.
Kaboodle and her calf are currently not on public display. They remain under 24-hour care to ensure both mom and calf continue to thrive and bond together.