Canadian walrus Smooshi and her calf start new life at Abu Dhabi Seaworld

The Marine mammals landed in UAE capital after a decade-long legal battle between former caretaker and the themed zoo in Ontario

Former trainer Philip Demers and Smooshi share a special bond. Photo: Philip Demers

The last of three captive walruses from Canada arrived safely in Abu Dhabi last week and have found a home at a new marine park on Yas Island.

Smooshi and her calf Kayuk, from the Ontario-based Marineland theme park, and male walrus Boris, from Quebec Aquarium, have settled in at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.

Smooshi and Kayuk were moved to Abu Dhabi after a much-publicised, decade-long legal battle between former caretaker Phil Demers and Marineland that ended with an amicable settlement last September.

According to the settlement, Marineland agreed to move the two walruses to another water park with better conditions.

SeaWorld, the region’s first marine theme park built by developer Miral, said walruses from several zoos and aquariums are “comfortably settling into their new home”.

“Their new habitat is designed specifically for the species, enabling the walruses to live in an ecosystem that includes fish and other marine animals,” the marine park told The National.

SeaWorld has five interior levels, covers an area of about 183,000 square metres and opens this month.

It will be home to more than 150 species of marine species, including sharks, schools of fish, manta rays, turtles and other reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, as well as hundreds of bird species, including penguins, puffins and flamingos.

“At SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the walruses will live in groups in a modern specialised environment to advance their worldwide conservation,” the marine park said.

“We are eager for visitors to be introduced to [them], and hear the stories of these wonderful animals.”

According to the media reports in Canada, Smooshi and Kayuk were moved to Abu Dhabi on a lease agreement whose details were not divulged by the park's authorities.

SeaWorld said the animals were transported in line with all protocols, including those set by the International Air Transport Association.

They are already receiving care from trained experts, one of the legal conditions in the agreement.

Philip Demers, the walruses former trainer, told The National in March that it was “a dream come true” to have Smooshi and Kayuk moved to the Abu Dhabi marine park.

“I am very grateful at the moment that the walruses are now able to live together. This is the first time ever that Smooshi gets to live with her calf,” he said.

Mr Demers said he hopes for a second reunion with Smooshi after being separated from her for ten years.

“I cannot wait to jump on a plane and see Smooshi again. I would love to have a special reunion where I can spend time with Smooshi, and I hope SeaWorld will allow that to happen,” he said.

Smooshi and Mr Demer hit the headlines in Canada in 2008 because of the strong bond they shared soon after the walrus arrived at Marineland as a calf.

“We had a special bond. I was imprinted in her brain as her mom. She would follow me around and was very protective about me,” said Mr Demers.

He said it was “emotionally overwhelming” during the last ten years, when Marineland kept him away from Smooshi during the legal fight.

He held on to his memories of Smooshi through pictures, drawings and toy walruses that filled up every corner of his home.

“So, I would like to get my moment with Smooshi. That level of closure would give me the opportunity to be able to move on in life in a healthier way,” said Mr Demers.

He said he hopes visitors to SeaWorld will appreciate what a special walrus Smooshi is.

“She has a great sense of humour. I want people to know that she is the most special and famous walrus in the world,” he said.

“She has had arguably the most arduous and difficult life for a captive walrus. And I hope visitors will appreciate that and this wild romantic story behind her.”

This article was first published on March 11, 2023

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