A new walrus calf is due this summer from Arnaliaq. Unfortunately last summer the second female Samka died of an infection so it will just be a single baby this time around.
Aquarium Du Quebec announced that they know Arnaliaq's pregnancy will not be successful. There is a post on their facebook page explaining things more but I don't speak French so I have no idea what has happened. The google translate version of their post says Arnaliaq is doing well.
For those who understand French, there is a video where the Aquarium's vet explains the situation, but here's some explanations. However, not much to say. :-/ After monitoring her condition, the team concluded the pregnancy was not successfull because (1) Arnaliaq did not take as much weight as she should have, (2) was not presenting any lactation and (3) was overdue. The vet goes on stating the birth of two walrus 3 years ago was exceptionnal as these animals do not breed often in captivity. She also comments on the fact they are rare in zoos, so their husbandry is still a subject of research. Otherwise, Arnie's health is perfect so far and she doesn't have any side effect from the failed pregnancy. I am sorry I could not provide you with more info. I apologie for the mistakes in my post, English is not my first language.
@Pier-Luc Chouinard, thank you for telling us English speakers what happened. I was hoping someone would be able to translate for us. Google translate can only get us so far. And your English is very good from what I can tell. Sounds like she just reabsorbed the fetus for some reason, since a stillbirth wasn't mention or miscarriage. Just means they will try again next breeding season. Again your help is very much appreciated!
Youre welcome, if similar translation is needed, msg me and I will be happy to do in my spare time. Stillbirth and miscarriage were definitely not mentionned, so your hypothesis seems to most plausible.
I don't really know,in the Facebook post it said that one was European and the other was American but they didn't said anything about the specie.
Female Atlantic walrus, Arnaliaq, has passed away. She was put under to do testing after she went off her feed and was exhibiting other signs of illness. Unfortunately while the tests seemed ok they could not wake her. More testing will be done to find out what happened. The other three walruses seem fine at the moment.
Polar bear, Kinuk, has arrived from Zoo Sauvage and the aquarium's Eddy has returned from Cochrane. They are both settling into the new habitat and will slowly be introduced to each other in hopes that they can live together.
Polar bear, Shouka, has arrived from Zoo Sauvage to join his brother and Eddy. The brothers have already been introduced and are loving being together. I think this effectively signals the death blow to the deal with Toronto of polar bears for walruses. Im not sure they could handle 5 adult males.
Polar bear, Eddy, was put down in June after the aquarium found issues with his kidneys was causing a rapid decline in his health. He was 21. Guess its a good thing they were able to secure Shouka and Kinuk. The article I'm posting below is in French but google will translate it for you. Aquarium du Québec: l'ours blanc Eddy est décédé
For those curious; here is some scientific literature on Arnaliaq and in regards to her treatment/passing: Disseminated Blastomycosis in an Adult Female Atlantic Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) - IAAAM 2021 - VIN Also another on Balzac, age is likely a typo. Identification of Gastric Lesions in a Pacific Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) Presenting with Chronic Regurgitations via a Capsule Endoscopy (ALICAM®) - IAAAM 2021 - VIN
