See Brooklyn’s Biggest Baby

©WCS/J.Maher

The New York Aquarium is proud to announce the birth of a little giant. On June 12, 2007, Kulusiq, AKA “Kulu,” a 13-year-old female Pacific walrus, delivered her first calf. This rare event marks the first birth of a walrus at the Aquarium—and in the history of New York City.

Once Aquarium staff confirmed that Kulu was pregnant last winter, preparations began for the birth. The keepers acclimated the expecting mother to an off-exhibit site that would serve as the birthing area. Cameras were installed to capture the first-ever photos and videos of this rare event. They would also allow the mother and calf to be monitored around the clock.

Though Aquarium and veterinary staff were ready to intervene should the new mother or her baby require assistance, the delivery proceeded smoothly. At 4:17 p.m. on June 12, Kulu gave birth to a hefty boy of approximately 115 pounds and measuring 44 inches long. Their connection was instantaneous, and Kulu took on her new maternal duties with confidence.

The growing boy nurses frequently and is gaining one to three pounds per day. As of late September, he tips the scales at 268 pounds. Already a good swimmer, he is busy exploring his Sea Cliffs habitat and playing with his mom, who is often by his side. Regular weigh-ins on a specially designed scale help the staff track his development.

The calf’s mother and father were originally rescued as babies themselves from the St. Lawrence River in Alaska on May 19, 1994. Their names, “Kulusiq,” or iceberg, and “Ayveq,” or walrus, were drawn from the Siberian Yupik language. Witnessing the calf’s birth was especially exciting for New York Aquarium staff Kate McClave and Paul Sieswerda, as well as WCS Senior Veterinarian, Dr. Paul Calle, who participated in the ’94 rescue effort.

Kulusiq and Ayveq now weigh 1,800 and 2,700 pounds, respectively. Male walruses can grow to 12 feet long, while adult females grow up to 10 feet long. In nature, a female walrus typically breeds once every two years, giving birth to a single calf in the spring. Kulu will nurse her calf for 18 to 24 months.

Visitors to the Aquarium can see Kulu and the baby in Sea Cliffs, a rocky ocean-edge habitat inspired by the Pacific walrus’s natural habitat, the Pacific coast from California to Alaska. Their pool adjoins the habitat for Ayveq and Nuka, another adult female Pacific walrus. Two viewing areas, above and below water, offer visitors an opportunity to view the marine mammals diving, swimming, and resting on land.

Meet Brooklyn's Biggest Baby
See a baby book of photos and milestones in the life of our big baby as well as a video gallery that includes footage of his birth at www.nyaquarium.com/babywalrus. Here you can also enter our naming contest, read profiles of the Aquarium’s walrus caregivers, download Wal(rus) Paper for your desktop, and lots more!

Please note: Viewing hours are subject to change. Sometime the mother and baby are behind the scenes so mom can be fed. Like any new mother, she needs to keep her strength up!

For Media Contact Information, Please Click Here.