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© WCS/Julie Larsen Maher
Between thousands of handfuls of fish and an equal number of smelly, whiskery kisses, the bond between Kulu and senior keeper Jo Anne Basinger is very strong. Jo Anne has been a constant in Kulu’s life since the walrus orphans arrived at the Aquarium.
Now, watching Kulu raise her own baby is truly rewarding. Jo Anne knew motherhood would come naturally, since as she says, “Kulu’s always been very bonded to the group and looks out for the other walruses.” But the calf is a marvel. “He seems to be way ahead of the game, developmentally. He does whatever mom does. And he can be pushy and self-centered, just like a human baby!”
Even though Jo Anne is so familiar to Kulu, she worked very slowly to accustom the protective new mom to her presence in the nursery area once the baby arrived. Step by step, the keepers have gained Kulu’s trust and can now get close to her during feeding and brief training sessions. Since the baby is always by Kulu’s side, this also means more contact with the little guy—which he initiates by sucking on their legs, clothing…or anywhere else he can reach. With such a rambunctious and precocious baby on their hands, the keepers hope to soon begin teaching him a few targeting behaviors. Call it walrus pre-school. |
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