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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, June 23, 2026: SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the World’s Largest Indoor Marine Life Theme Park, today announced the arrival of a healthy Pacific walrus calf. The calf is a celebrated new addition to the Marine Life Theme Park’s Arctic Realm.
Born to mother ‘Smooshi’, under the close supervision of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s dedicated veterinarians and animal care experts, the delivery marks the region’s first walrus calf to be born in a zoological facility. Both mother and calf are doing well, a testament to the welfare-focused, habitat design and the world-class standard of care provided by SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s team.
Together, they are bonding in their new home within the Arctic Realm’s walrus habitat. This carefully designed space simulates the Arctic’s cold temperatures and natural light cycles, providing a safe, stimulating environment essential for the calf's early years. During this development phase, the calf will remain constantly by Smooshi's side, relying on her for protection, comfort, and guidance as it continues to grow and explore its surroundings.
The calf and Smooshi are among the walruses residing at the Marine Life Theme Park, where they help educate and inspire guests about these remarkable Arctic marine mammals. Through close-up experiences and educational programs, guests learn about the importance of marine conservation and the environmental challenges facing Arctic ecosystems, including the impacts of climate change and sea ice loss.
Carlos Rodriguez, General Manager at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, said: “This is an incredibly proud moment for all of us at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi as we welcome the region’s first walrus calf. Our dedicated veterinary and animal care teams worked tirelessly to provide world-class, specialized care for Smooshi throughout her gestation and delivery. Seeing them bond so naturally is the ultimate reward. Like all our walruses, the calf will be an invaluable ambassador, connecting millions of guests with the vital importance of Arctic conservation.”
As a facility certified by Global Humane and accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and several other international zoological animal welfare associations, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and its expert team of veterinarians, animal care specialists, and educators are deeply committed to world-class animal care.
This joyous occasion serves as a hopeful symbol of the Marine Life Theme Park’s conservation mission, providing an opportunity to educate and inspire guests while fostering a deeper understanding of walruses, the ocean and the critical need to protect marine animals and their environments.
For a chance to catch a glimpse of Smooshi and her new calf, guests can book tickets online at www.seaworldabudhabi.com.
About SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi operated by Miral Experiences is the World’s Largest Indoor Marine Life Theme Park which tells a captivating 'One Ocean' story that uncovers the interconnectivity between life on earth and our ocean, inspiring a deep commitment to conserving our planet. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi delivers fun, engaging, and immersive family-friendly experiences through eight uniquely themed realms, featuring up-close animal encounters, exciting rides, inspiring entertainment, as well as unmatched dining and shopping experiences.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is committed to providing the highest standard of animal welfare based on best practices and standards set by internationally recognized animal welfare organizations. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the region’s first facility to be certified by Global Humane, the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare and is the region’s third facility to earn the esteemed Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accreditation. Representing the next generation of zoological care, the animal habitats at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi have been custom designed using state-of-the art technology and a welfare-focused approach. Every day, the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi team of highly experienced and passionate veterinarians, scientists, animal care specialists, and educators devote their lives to caring for animals while also inspiring the next generation to protect and advocate for the ocean.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is also home to the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the largest dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return Center in the region serving as an advanced marine science knowledge hub and a key contributor to marine life conservation. Building on the SeaWorld legacy of being one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, the Center brings SeaWorld’s over 60 years of experience and knowledge in animal care, rescue, rehabilitation and conservation to the UAE and wider region.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi aims to inspire the next generation of marine life advocates as it champions the “Admission with a Mission” initiative, where every ticket purchased to the park supports the ongoing conservation efforts of the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi was developed by Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of magnetic experiences in partnership with United Parks & Resorts and is the first new SeaWorld Park in 30 years and the first outside the US. This first-of-its-kind indoor Marine Life Theme Park is managed and operated by Miral Experiences, a subsidiary of Miral and a leading operator of world-class theme parks, entertainment experiences and cultural attractions.
For more information, please visit: www.seaworldyasisland.com
For media inquiries:
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Farah Sarieddine
Head of PR
[email protected]
+97156 473 8327