The story of Uki, a walrus who was rehabilitated at the Alaska SeaLife Center in August 2024, was featured on the season premiere of “Nature” by PBS on Wednesday.
According to a press release from the Alaska SeaLife Center, the episode, “Walrus: Life on Thin Ice,” follows a paleontologist studying the challenges walruses face as sea ice disappears. Uki’s story of rescue and rehabilitation is featured in the episode.
When Uki was a calf, she was found nearly four miles inland by oil workers in July 2024. The 200-pound walrus was alone, dehydrated and fighting an infection, and she was flown nearly 700 miles from the North Slope to ASLC the next day. ASLC staff mimicked the constant companionship walrus calves receive from their mothers by providing round the clock cuddling and enrichment.
Photos and videos of the calf drinking from oversized bottles, snuggling with care team members and swimming in her enclosure went viral, and Uki quickly won the hearts of thousands of people around the world. She was named “Ukiaq,” which means “autumn” in the language of the Iñupiaq people who live in the North Slope where she was rescued. Today, Uki serves an an ambassador for her species and lives at SeaWorld Orlando with her surrogate mother, KaBoodle.
“Walrus: Life on Thin Ice” is available to watch for free on PBS until Nov. 19.
