At Georgia Aquarium, conservation and rehabilitation efforts extend far beyond the walls of our exhibits. This commitment was recently put into action when we partnered with the Alaska SeaLife Center to help care for an abandoned walrus calf that needed immediate, specialized attention.

A Calf in Need

Earlier this summer, the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) was alerted to a walrus calf in distress, stranded without its mother, and in need of urgent care. The calf, estimated to be just a few weeks old, was dehydrated and underweight, requiring round-the-clock attention from the ASLC team. Walrus calves, who typically remain with their mothers for up to five years, are particularly vulnerable when orphaned. Their survival depends on specialized 24/7 care.

Pacific walruses are a highly social species, often found in tightly huddled herds, lying in direct contact with one another. Because of this social need, the rehabilitation team must offer 24/7 companionship and contact while also providing intensive health support. This kind of care and need for close contact with humans means that any orphaned walrus calf admitted to rehabilitation will not be a candidate for release. However, they will continue to receive incredible care and serve as an important ambassador for their species, raising awareness about the challenges faced by Pacific walruses and the ecosystems they live in.

Recognizing the need for additional hands-on expertise, ASLC contacted its network of partners, including Georgia Aquarium.

Georgia Aquarium’s Role

As a key partner in wildlife rehabilitation efforts, Georgia Aquarium was eager to assist. Our team has worked closely with the ASLC in the past, and this case was no different. We provided resources and expertise, ensuring that the calf received the best possible care. The partnership between Georgia Aquarium and the ASLC is based on a shared commitment to protect marine species, particularly those in dire situations like this young walrus.

Over the past few months, several of our animal care staff made the trip from Georgia to Alaska to help care for the walrus calf around the clock. Our team helped to create and follow a personalized care plan, which included bottle feedings of a formula mimicking walrus milk, enrichment activities to stimulate her development, and regular health check-ups.

“Uki is such an incredible walrus and serves as an important ambassador for her counterparts,” said Jaclyn Andrews, assistant trainer at Georgia Aquarium. “My favorite part about helping with Uki’s intensive, round-the-clock rehabilitation would be acting as her surrogate, preparing and feeding her bottles, and building a relationship with her. Seeing her seek me out for physical comfort (walrus snuggles) was a rewarding experience. I am forever grateful to be a part of her amazing story.”

This type of collaboration is critical in the world of wildlife rehabilitation. Sharing knowledge and support can have a huge impact on animal welfare in current and future rehabilitation.

What’s Next for the Walrus Calf?

After weeks of intensive care, the walrus calf showed remarkable signs of improvement. 

A nationwide group of walrus and marine mammal experts from AZA’s Marine Mammal Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) determined that SeaWorld Orlando was the best setting for the calf, officially named Ukiaq -“Uki” (pronounced oo-kee) for short. Her name, “Ukiaq,” translates to “autumn” in the language of the Iñupiaq people who live in the area of northern Alaska where she was first found. This consensus decision prioritized her social needs, ensuring she joins a diverse social group of walruses, including an adult female walrus who has experience with walrus calves and could be a potential surrogate mother for Uki. 

She recently moved to her permanent home at SeaWorld Orlando, where she will continue to receive support as needed and ensure every opportunity to grow and recover.

ASLC Animal Care Specialist Halley and a veterinarian were with Uki for her entire journey to Orlando and stayed with her for a few days to make the transition as smooth as possible. Halley reported that Uki is settling in well and already loves her new pool and enrichment toys.

We are excited to see Uki continue to be an incredible ambassador for her species. The ASLC will continue to be involved with Uki’s journey and care, but the majority of her updates will come from her new caretakers at SeaWorld Orlando. 

A Shared Commitment to Conservation

The efforts surrounding Uki underscore the importance of partnerships between marine conservation organizations. With each successful rescue and rehabilitation, institutions like Georgia Aquarium and the Alaska SeaLife Center move one step closer to securing a better future for marine wildlife.

Check out Georgia Aquarium’s ongoing efforts to protect marine wildlife on our Newsroom. 

For the latest updates on Uki, follow SeaWorld Orlando on social.

Sharks are a unique species that tend to evoke fear and fascination in equal measure. But how dangerous are they to humans? Let’s dive deeper to understand the reality of shark attacks, the reasons behind them, and the conservation efforts in place to protect these magnificent creatures. Kelly Link, associate curator of fish & invertebrates at Georgia Aquarium, answers the most asked shark questions below: 

Are Sharks Dangerous to Humans?

Sharks are one of the ocean’s top apex predators and can be dangerous. Negative encounters do happen, but the likelihood is extremely low. In fact, you are more likely to win an Olympic medal, be struck by lightning, or be killed by a falling coconut. Sharks are not naturally interested in humans and do not see us as prey. Most interactions occur due to mistaken identity or curiosity rather than a predatory drive.

Why Do Sharks Attack Humans?

Human-related shark attacks are primarily cases of mistaken identity or exploratory behavior. For example, a shark might mistake a person on a surfboard for a sea turtle, or a swimmer for a sea otter. Since sharks lack hands, they use their mouths to investigate objects, which can sometimes result in a bite.

How Common Are Shark Attacks?

Shark attacks are incredibly rare. On average, there are about 60-65 unprovoked shark bites each year worldwide. Unprovoked bites occur without any human action that might incite the shark. Unlike provoked bites, where humans harass or attempt to feed sharks then, causing a shark to react. Of these bites, only about six a year are fatal. Considering the millions of people who enter the oceans every summer, the chances of encountering a shark are minimal. Statistically, a person is more likely to be hit by an asteroid than killed by a shark.

When Are Shark Attacks Most Likely to Happen?

While sharks can be active at any time of day, most attacks occur early in the morning or near sunset. To further reduce the chances of a shark encounter, avoid swimming during these times.

Which Shark Species Are Most Dangerous?

The great white shark, tiger shark, and bull shark are all considered the most dangerous to humans. Great whites and tiger sharks can grow quite large and are equipped with impressively powerful jaws. However, bull sharks can swim in both fresh and saltwater and are known to swim up rivers, increasing the chances of coming into contact with people.

Where Do Most Shark Attacks Occur?

Sharks follow their food, so they go where the fish go. Therefore, most shark encounters happen in inshore or near-shore waters, near sandbars, or steep drop-offs where sharks follow their prey. 

How Can Shark Attacks Be Prevented?

To minimize the risk of a shark encounter, consider the following tips:

– Be aware of your surroundings and stay close to shore.

– Swim in groups and avoid areas where people are fishing.

– Steer clear of murky water or waters with signs of bait fish.

– Avoid excessive splashing, which can attract sharks.

What Should You Do If You See a Shark While Swimming?

If you see a shark, stay calm and keep an eye on it while slowly and calmly moving away. Do not panic or splash excessively. Exit the water when it is safe to do so.

What Should You Do If You Get Attacked by a Shark?

In the unlikely event of a shark attack, aim to hit the shark in its sensitive areas, like the eyes or gills. Be aggressive in your efforts to free yourself and exit the water as quickly as possible once released.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Sharks

Myth: Sharks are mindless man-eaters.

Reality: Sharks can actually be pretty picky about what they eat. They have varied diets, including mammals, fish, and invertebrates, but humans are not on their menu. Far from mindless, many sharks actually have fairly large brains—they are smart and curious with complex social behaviors.

Myth: All sharks are the same.

Reality: There are over 500 species of sharks, ranging from the tiny dwarf lantern shark, which is no more than 6 inches in length, to the massive whale shark, which can reach up to 60 feet in length.

Myth: Sharks can smell a single drop of blood from across the ocean.

Reality: While sharks have excellent olfactory systems, a single drop of blood will not attract them from far away.

Myth: Sharks must keep swimming, or they will drown.

Reality: Some sharks, like the white shark, need to keep swimming to breathe. This is because they are ram-ventilating, which means they need to swim continuously to push water over their gills. In contrast, buccal-pumping sharks, like the zebra shark, can actively pump water over their gills with their mouths. These sharks are able to lay on the bottom of the ocean.

What Role Do Sharks Play in the Ocean Ecosystem?

Sharks are apex predators, crucial for maintaining the balance in marine ecosystems. By regulating prey populations, they help prevent the overgrowth of algae on coral reefs and ensure the health of the ocean environment. The ecosystem is a delicate balance that can be easily thrown off when one piece is removed.

Do Sharks Have Natural Predators?

Yes, many sharks are both predators and prey. Larger sharks can prey on smaller ones, and young sharks can fall prey to larger fish like groupers or jacks. Even apex predators like great whites can be hunted by orcas. However, humans are considered to be the biggest predators on the planet and pose a much greater threat to sharks than they do to us. 

The Status of Shark Populations

Shark populations are in decline, with over 100 million sharks killed each year, primarily for their fins. Overfishing has led to a 70% reduction in shark populations globally, with around one-third of shark species threatened with extinction.

Conservation Efforts for Sharks

Efforts to protect sharks range from personal actions to international collaboration:

Personal Level: Consuming sustainable seafood, avoiding shark fin products, reducing  

carbon footprints, and educating others about sharks.

Government Actions: Creating Marine Protected Areas and Shark Sanctuaries, banning 

shark finning, and regulating shark trade.

International Cooperation: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered 

Species (CITES) and the UN High Seas Treaty aim to protect sharks across borders and 

international waters.

Studying Sharks and Their Behavior

Scientists study sharks using various methods, including tagging and tracking, underwater recordings, aerial surveys, and environmental DNA analysis. Facilities like Georgia Aquarium contribute to this research by observing shark behaviors and facilitating conservation projects:

Georgia Aquarium’s sharks can help expand the knowledge about shark species in many ways.  Our whale sharks were part of a project to sequence the full genome of the whale shark, the first project of its kind on sharks.  We can observe feeding and mating behaviors that might be difficult to see in the ocean.  We can also track morphometric changes over time to understand how quickly shark species grow and mature. Along with gestational data to help understand the duration and challenges of pregnancies. Our sharks and rays can also help researchers prepare for work in the field. One of our manta rays allowed researchers to test a suction cup tag that could be deployed on wild mantas. Blood draw techniques learned from our whale sharks allowed our team to get blood from wild whale sharks in Indonesia. Georgia Aquarium and many other partners are part of the StAR project in Indonesia.  The aim of this ambitious project is to repopulate the reefs in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, with zebra sharks bred from animals in aquariums around the world.  The goal is to raise and release 100 sharks per year to establish a self-sustaining population of zebra sharks.

In conclusion, while sharks can be dangerous, the risk they pose to humans is minimal. By understanding and respecting these incredible creatures, we can coexist with them while ensuring their conservation for future generations.

On June 17 &18, 2024, marine mammal specialists from Georgia Aquarium, Oceanogràfic de Valencia, and SeaWorld assisted the NEMO Dolphinarium in rescuing two beluga whales from the war-torn region of Kharkiv, Ukraine. Dennis Christen, senior director of animal wellbeing and behavior at Georgia Aquarium, recounts the details of this momentous event below:

Introduction

Recently, a team of experts, including myself, had the unique opportunity to assist in transporting two beluga whales, Plombir and Miranda. Moving beluga whales across international borders is no small feat. It requires precise planning, extensive coordination, and unwavering dedication from a team of professionals. Here’s a detailed account of this extraordinary mission.

Preparing for the Move

The preparation phase for this transport was a mammoth task involving numerous stakeholders and extensive communication. I worked closely with Daniel Garcia, Robert Gojceta, Keith Yip, and several others to ensure every detail was meticulously planned. Our communication spanned countless emails, Zoom calls, and WhatsApp messages.

One of the primary challenges we faced was setting up contact with a logistics company in Moldova to assist with importing transport gear from Spain and supporting our team on the ground. We coordinated meetings with customs agents and airport authorities in Moldova to streamline the process. Using transport plans and equipment lists from our beluga transports at Georgia Aquarium, we ensured all necessary supplies, including ice and potable water, were ready for the journey. This preparation phase was crucial in laying the foundation for a successful move.

Moving Day

Move day was a whirlwind of activity and emotions. It began on Monday with a series of critical meetings at Chisinau airport to align all stakeholders on the transport logistics. The day’s agenda was scheduled down to the hour, including the final setup of transport crates and coordinating a police escort for the transport truck from Kharkiv. 

Our colleague, Olga Shpak, was vital in ensuring timely communications and on-ground updates. Her efforts were invaluable, especially given the communication delays we faced. The transport left Kharkiv in the evening, and we received regular updates through the night as the convoy made its way to Moldova.

Upon arrival at the Moldova-Ukraine border, we encountered several challenges, including unexpected delays at customs and passport control. At the airport, we faced further complications. The plane was parked far from the loading zone, and we had to navigate multiple customs and security checks. Despite these setbacks, our team persevered, successfully loading the belugas onto the cargo plane. 

Meeting the Ukrainian Team

Seeing the animals and meeting the Ukrainian team for the first time was an emotional moment. The Ukrainian veterinary attendants were visibly emotional, reflecting the toll the journey had taken. Despite the language barrier, we communicated our gratitude and ensured they felt supported. The belugas were remarkably calm, a testament to their resilience and the care they received throughout the journey.

The physical demands of the move were immense. The long duration of the transport, coupled with the stress of navigating logistical challenges, tested our endurance. The loading process at the airport was particularly strenuous, involving a lot of physical activity in high-stress conditions. Despite the exhaustion, our team maintained a calm and collected demeanor, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the belugas.

Arrival at Oceanografic

Throughout the move, both belugas remained surprisingly calm. I accompanied Plombir and Miranda at various stages, and their behavior was a reassuring indicator of their wellbeing. The flight to Valencia was smooth, and the low-frequency vibrations of the plane seemed to have a calming effect on the whales.

Arriving at Oceanografic in Valencia was a triumphant moment. The warm welcome from the staff and the successful transfer of Plombir and Miranda to their new home marked the culmination of our efforts. The Oceanografic team’s expertise and enthusiasm were evident as they seamlessly took over the care of the belugas.

Media Frenzy and the Importance of this Story

The media attention surrounding this story highlights the broader significance of our mission. It underscores the resilience of the Ukrainian animal caretakers and the vital role of zoos and aquariums in animal rescue and conservation. Sharing this story brings awareness to the challenges faced by both humans and animals in conflict zones and the incredible efforts made to protect and care for them.

Plombir and Miranda’s journey also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in animal welfare. It demonstrates how various organizations and individuals can come together to overcome significant challenges and achieve a common goal. This mission has captivated the public’s imagination, offering a glimpse into the often unseen world of animal rescue and the dedication of those involved.

Conclusion: Collaboration is Borderless

This mission was not just about transporting belugas; it was a testament to the power of collaboration. Working alongside dedicated professionals like Keith, Daniel, and Robert was a rewarding experience. Daniel’s leadership and Robert’s extensive knowledge were particularly impressive, and the camaraderie we developed during this mission will undoubtedly lead to lifelong friendships.

The successful transport of Plombir and Miranda was a monumental achievement, made possible by the dedication and collaboration of a diverse team of professionals. This mission highlighted the logistical complexities of moving beluga whales across borders and underscored the deep compassion and resilience of all those involved. The collaboration between Oceanogràfic de Valencia, SeaWorld, NEMO Dolphinarium, Shedd Aquarium, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums was instrumental in the meticulous planning and successful execution of this transport. It was an honor to be part of this incredible journey. I look forward to the continued care and wellbeing of Plombir and Miranda in their new home. 

For the official press release, click here.