Meet Kaya: Walrus calf born in Abu Dhabi offers rare window into underwater family bonds

BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)

For the first time in the region, visitors to SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi can watch a Pacific walrus calf grow up right in front of them. Kaya, born in June to mother Smooshi, represents the first walrus calf birth at a zoological facility in the region.

Kaya was born under the supervision of the marine park's veterinary and animal care teams, marking a milestone in Abu Dhabi's conservation efforts.

Both mother and calf are now bonding in the Arctic Realm's walrus habitat, a purpose-built environment that replicates Arctic conditions through cold water and natural light cycles.

Kaya will stay close to Smooshi through its early development, depending on her for protection, comfort and guidance. And visitors will be able to watch that bond develop as the calf grows and starts exploring on its own.

Speaking to Aletihad, Scott McCoy, Senior Zoological Director at SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, said the birth represents far more than a successful addition to the park's residents.

Walrus pregnancies run long - Smooshi carried Kaya for about 15 months - and as many as 15 veterinarians and animal care specialists were involved during the process.

"[They] closely monitored the mother's health, nutrition, and behaviour while providing a calm and supportive environment," McCoy told Aletihad.

Each stage was documented and studied, he added, generating insights that "enhance our own understanding and animal care practices" while contributing to the wider scientific community and helping other institutions advance marine conservation research.

Habitat conditions - from lighting to water quality and temperature - were closely managed before, during, and after the birth. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi's Animal Life Support Systems continuously track water quality, temperature and salinity, while its Advanced Animal Lighting Systems recreate natural daylight and seasonal light cycles to support the animals' biological rhythms.

For visitors, Kaya's arrival offers a rare chance to engage directly with one of the Arctic's most recognisable marine mammals while learning about the pressures facing its natural habitat.

Guests at the Arctic Realm can watch Smooshi and Kaya together and learn about walrus biology, parental care, and Arctic ecosystems through sessions with SeaWorld educators.

"Experiences like witnessing a walrus calf help create emotional connections that can inspire future generations to care for our oceans," McCoy said.

Tourism, Education, Environment

Beyond conservation and education, he said unique wildlife experiences remain central to Abu Dhabi's tourism offering, as travellers increasingly look for experiences that pair learning with genuine personal connection.

"This approach supports Abu Dhabi's growing reputation as a leading destination where world-class tourism, experiential education and environmental stewardship go hand in hand," McCoy said.

He then pointed to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi's decades of work building out the emirate's conservation framework, from coastal protections to a marine wildlife rescue network. "Through the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre, we help support EAD's mission by continuously exchanging research findings, environmental data and rescue analysis to ensure that the emirate possesses the most advanced, response-ready marine care infrastructure in the region," McCoy added.