China's first successfully bread walrus calf makes debut at Guangdong water park

A baby walrus, the first of its kind to successfully be bred and survive in China, made its debut at an ocean-themed park in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, on Wednesday.

The walrus calf, which was born at the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom on June 1, successfully drank its first drop of mother's milk four hours after birth. Baby walruses feed at irregular frequencies, typically around 15-25 times per day.

Currently, the newborn walrus is in good health and has started to independently feed and learn to swim under the mother's guidance, according to the ocean park.

The average age of walruses at the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is 10 years old, which is the age of sexual maturity. There is very little experience to draw upon for walrus reproduction, both domestically and internationally, according to the ocean park's conservation team.

Also, it is difficult to accurately determine the entire gestation period of walruses, as their thick layer of fat and skin makes it impossible to use ultrasound to accurately calculate the date of birth for walrus mothers, the team added.