WALRUS CARE GUIDE: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Walruses in Captivity: Legal Insights, Ethical Alternatives, and Expert Knowledge for Animal Enthusiasts

Discover the majestic walrus—its biology, behavior, and allure as a marine mammal.

The walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) is one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable marine mammals in the Arctic region. Known for their massive size, distinctive tusks, and deeply wrinkled skin, walruses have fascinated humans for centuries. Their presence in folklore, indigenous traditions, and modern wildlife documentaries continues to captivate the imagination. In this chapter, we explore the natural identity of the walrus—its biology, behavior, and what makes it such an awe-inspiring creature.
Physical Characteristics
Walruses are truly giants of the sea, with adult males weighing up to 1,700 kilograms (3,700 pounds) and measuring over 3 meters (10 feet) long. Females are typically smaller but still impressive in size. Their most distinctive features are their long ivory tusks, which are actually elongated canine teeth. Both males and females grow tusks, though males tend to have larger ones.
These tusks serve various purposes: they are used to establish dominance within social groups, defend against predators, and haul their massive bodies out of icy water
onto land or ice floes. Another hallmark of the walrus is its thick, wrinkled skin covered in sparse, coarse hair. Beneath the skin lies a thick layer of blubber, sometimes over 15 centimeters (6 inches) thick, which provides insulation against frigid Arctic temperatures and serves as an energy reserve.
Biology and Adaptations
Walruses are well-adapted to the cold, aquatic environment of the Arctic. Their flippers are powerful and highly maneuverable, allowing them to swim gracefully despite their bulk. On land, they use their flippers to move in a somewhat awkward but effective crawling motion. Their nostrils can close when diving underwater, and their eyes are adapted to low light conditions, which helps them see in the murky waters where they forage for food.
Walruses are bottom-feeders, primarily consuming clams, mussels, and other benthic invertebrates. Their sensitive whiskers—called vibrissae—help them detect prey on the ocean floor. They use powerful suction to extract soft-bodied animals from shells, sometimes ingesting thousands of clams in a single feeding session.
Social Behavior
One of the most compelling aspects of walrus behavior is their social nature. They are gregarious animals that live in large herds, sometimes numbering in the thousands. These gatherings serve multiple purposes, including warmth, protection, breeding, and social bonding. Vocalizations are a big part of walrus communication—ranging from bell-like sounds underwater to grunts, barks, and clicks on land.
Males are known to be especially vocal during the breeding season, using complex sounds to establish dominance and attract mates. Physical displays, such as tusk waving and chest-bumping, are also common during this time. Outside of the mating season, walruses show strong familial bonds, particularly between mothers and calves.
Allure and Human Fascination
The walrus holds a unique place in human culture and environmental science. Indigenous Arctic peoples such as the Inuit have long depended on the walrus for food, tools, and clothing. Every part of the animal was traditionally used, and many indigenous communities still maintain a respectful, sustainable relationship with the species.