(Montreal) The last walrus from the Aquarium du Québec has now left Canada. After a journey of several hours on board a cargo plane, Boris moved to the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi park, which is scheduled to open later this year.
The 17-year-old mammal is already adapting very well to its new habitat, the Aquarium du Québec said in a press release.
The transfer of the animal from one establishment to another also went smoothly, as an animal guide and the Aquarium’s veterinarian accompanied Boris by truck from Quebec City to Montreal Airport. The air transport was carried out in accordance with international protocols and “best practices in the sector”, indicated the establishment of the SEPAQ.
While a SeaWorld specialist spent the last week with Boris getting to know him better, including “his personality, vocals, favorite foods and routine with his care team”, it’s the walrus trainer who will soon travel to the capital of the United Arab Emirates to continue the transition and to transfer some knowledge to the employees of the very first marine park in this region of the globe.
“SeaWorld has extensive expertise with walruses at all of its zoological facilities around the world and practices the highest standards of animal care. We are happy that Boris can benefit from his new environment in Abu Dhabi, where he will live with other walruses, in a habitat designed specifically for them,” the director of conservation at the Aquarium du Québec said in a press release. Marie-Pierre Lessard.
The departure of Boris marks the end of the presence of walruses at the Aquarium du Québec, where it is explained that the blood ties between the three specimens – Lakina and Balzak being Boris’s cubs – could have led to episodes of unwanted reproduction if they remained in the same habitat.
The two cubs, who have reached sexual maturity, have been at a facility in Tacoma, Washington since November.
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