Karyn Rode, a seasoned research wildlife biologist at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Alaska Science Center, emphasizes the polar bear‘s role as a bellwether for broader ecological shifts. “Pathogens’ transmission pathways are changing, including in the Arctic,” Rode notes, highlighting the rapid environmental transformations underway. The region is warming at a pace four times the global […]
Tag: Walrus
Orphaned Weeks-Old Walrus is Getting Round-the-Clock Care to Help Her Survive
Pacific walruses can grow up to 12 feet long and weigh up to 4,000 pounds. One substantially smaller than that, though, was just rescued in Alaska. In a series of social media posts, Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward has been chronicling the care of a tiny orphaned female Pacific walrus calf. She was found alone, […]
Walrus Death from Bird Flu Confirmed in Arctic for the First Time
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have confirmed the first known case of a walrus dying from bird flu in the Arctic. Found on Hopen Island in the Svalbard archipelago, this walrus succumbed to the virus last year, shedding light on new concerns regarding wildlife diseases in marine mammals. Source: CBS New York/YouTube Christian Lydersen, […]
Petition: Help Protect Viral Seal from Humans
Neil the Seal is a 1,300-pound southern elephant seal who has become a viral sensation in Tasmania. However, there is growing concern for his welfare. Neil’s adventures, while amusing and endearing to many, underscore the potential risks when such a large wild animal becomes too accustomed to human interaction. We must ensure Neil’s safety is […]
Expedition Cruise on Board M/S Origo, June 1-10, 2014
Polar Bear Expedition Workshop – last 2 cabins still available. We are now close to full ship.Anyone out there interested in joining, there are now just 2 cabins available. The majority of the group is flying to Longyearbyen on May 31st, there are still a few seats available on that flight as well. The land […]
NON-PROFIT expedition workshop to see polar bears in Svalbard, 2014
Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage in the High Arctic to experience polar bears in their environment, while learning about their biology, their current and future status, the threats against them, and what you can do to help protect them. While we will provide and ensure the full experience that a regular small-ship expedition cruise […]
Tooth Walker…
A young walrus bull (Odobenus rosmarus) cautiously approaches as I lay on a rocky beach of Nordaustlandet. The scientific name of a walrus, Odobenus, comes from a combination of old Greek words: “odous” or tooth and “bainos” meaning walk. Often, a walrus will use his tusks to pull his large mass along the ice or […]