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« Statutory Rape | Main | In Memoriam - Bentley, the Apt Named Duck »

Walrus Rocks Out

Category: aquariumwalrus
Posted on: March 13, 2008 2:27 PM, by ableiman

What's different about this than people swimming with Whale Sharks? Fundamentally... probably nothing. However, I think this falls into the lighter shades of gray that the zoo and aquarium world must operate in, and ultimately I'm OK with, for the following reasons:

1. Walrus training is fairly common and does not pose a physical threat to the animal

2. Dolphin and sea lion training is enjoyed by the animals, obviously because their is a slimy fish reward involved, but also because new physical activity breaks up the monotony of life in a fish tank

3. I'm assuming that there is an educational component to this presentation and this finale is a tactic to encourage attendance

4. Walruses friggin love Michael Jackson

Have your own opinion you want to share? Let us know. (Thanks to Dave Abramson for the link)

Comments

1

Is this for real? I mean i wouldn't put it past a walrus to rock out to michael jackson, but this could just be another clever net thing.

Posted by: David | March 14, 2008 2:52 PM

2

It is my belief that her dancing is too bad for this to be fake.

Posted by: Andrew | March 14, 2008 3:23 PM

3

I think the big question is if that's the walrus, is she the eggman?

Posted by: Ed Yong | March 14, 2008 8:01 PM

4

That's a fair bit of stuff to have memorised - there must be quite a bit of grey matter under the Walrus hood!

Posted by: Kate | March 18, 2008 4:23 AM

5

As stated, all behaviors are trained on a voluntary basis with these animals. The walrus seems to be having a blast :D

Any clue what facility this was filmed at? It is VERY impressive how well the trainer has chained/faded her cues. Thanks for sharing!

Posted by: Rich | March 18, 2008 10:00 AM

6

thanks, By Brooklyn

Posted by: cet | March 26, 2009 10:49 AM

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